Nuclear weapons have been a key component of the world’s balance of power for decades. Despite the reductions in arsenals since the Cold War, world head wrestling continues to be at a very high level. According to 2025 American Federation of Scientists estimates that nine countries have a total of 12,331 nuclear heads. Russia is the most common.
Weapons are one of the most powerful and dangerous tools humanity has ever created. Its history dates back to the 1940s, when scientists discovered a way to release an atom to release a huge amount of energy.
Nuclear weapons were developed during the implementation of the Manhattan project under the guidance of Robert Oppenheimer. In 1945, the United States dropped two atomic bombs on Japanese cities. Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended the war in the Pacific and at the same time contributed to the end of World War II.
Global Map of Atomic Weapons: Who has the most?
From the beginning of 2025, nine countries around the world have such weapons, according to estimates by the American Federation of Scientists (FAS). With 12,331 nuclear warheads, approximately 9.6 thousand troops are in military wrestling, ready for use by the military.
Almost all of this possibility is concentrated in two countries – the US and Russia have around 88%. All heads and 84% are operational.
Below is current data (early status of 2025):
Russia – Military wrestling has around 4,299 warheads, with 5,449 of the entire Arsenal (including heads that have been withdrawn from use but still existed). This is the largest supply in the world. United States – Military wrestling has 3700 heads, plus 1577 retracted heads, resulting in a total supply estimated at 5277. China – Arsenal has rapidly developed and is now at 600 horses. France – There are 290 heads, a resource that has remained stable and unchanged for years. UK – Estimates show there are 225 heads. The country previously declared openness, but has not released detailed data since 2021. India – They have 180 heads and their reserves have an upward trend. Pakistan – There are currently 170 heads and, like India, they are developing a nuclear program. North Korea – Estimated supply is 50 horses, but details remain closed.
It should be noted that Israel has not officially confirmed its nuclear weapons possession, but according to the FAS, its secret Arsenal could contain around 90 animals.
Repulsion and the principle of “nuclear triangle”
Atomic weapons are now primarily treated as deterrent tools and are not direct use. The effect of nuclear attacks is very devastating, and the threat of using them can be sufficient deterrent because even potential invaders must consider answers of equally destructive nature.
The US and Russia use SO-CALLED nuclear tripods, a system based on three different airlines.
Land rocket silos, strategic bombers, and submarines (SSBNs).
Each of these media provides the potential for a nuclear reaction even in the event of an attack on some of the infrastructure. This combination ensures that there is a sustainable deterrence – even if one of the links (for example, a rocket silo) is destroyed, the others can still act.
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Edited/polsatnews.pl
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