Despite significant reductions since the Cold War, the global nuclear arsenal remains substantial, with nine countries holding approximately 12,121 warheads as of early 2024. Of these, 9,585 are earmarked for delivery by military forces.
This graphic illustrates the total number of nuclear warhead stockpiles from 1945 to 2024. The data is sourced from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), as of 2024. Figures are estimated.
While the total number of nuclear weapons is declining, the rate of reduction has slowed over the past three decades.
The peak of nuclear weapon stockpiles occurred in 1986, with 70,300 warheads during the Cold War. According to FAS, reductions in inventory are happening primarily because the U.S. and Russia continue to dismantle previously retired warheads. In contrast, the number of warheads in global military stockpiles—those assigned to operational forces—is once again on the rise.
| Country | 1986 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
 Russia |
40,159 | 4,380 |
 US |
23,317 | 3,700 |
 China |
224 | 500 |
 France |
355 | 290 |
 UK |
350 | 225 |
 Pakistan |
0 | 170 |
 India |
0 | 172 |
 Israel |
44 | 90 |
 North Korea |
0 | 50 |
 South Africa |
3 | 0 |
China, India, North Korea, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, as well as possibly Russia, are believed to be increasing their stockpiles, according to FAS.
Currently, the U.S. (3,700) and Russia (4,380) together hold about 88% of the world’s nuclear weapons and 84% of warheads ready for military use.
A 2018 study suggests that 100 nuclear weapons represent the “pragmatic limit” for any country’s arsenal.
Credit: Visual Capitalist
