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" We are entering one of the most dangerous periods in human history ," said SIPRI director Dan Smith. According to the SIPRI report, nuclear powers are strengthening their nuclear arsenals, especially China.
Researchers at the Stockholm Institute for Peace Research SIPRI warn that all nuclear powers are increasing their commitment to nuclear weaponry. In their annual report, they warn of an increasing number of operational nuclear weapons. "We are entering one of the most dangerous periods in human history," SIPRI director Dan Smith said. He called for renewed "nuclear diplomacy" and stronger international control over nuclear weapons.
The SIPRI report notes that nine nuclear powers - the US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel - continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals. From the beginning of 2022 to the beginning of 2023, the global level of nuclear warheads, according to SIPRI estimates, has decreased by about 200 warheads to currently about 12,512. But on the other hand, the number of operational nuclear weapons increased by 86 pieces to about 9,576. In its research, SIPRI distinguishes between operational and total stockpiles of nuclear weapons. The overall figure also includes old nuclear weapons and those intended for dismantling and reduction.
Less transparency
Russia and the US keep about 2,000 nuclear warheads in readiness. They are kept mounted on missiles or at air force bases along with bombers. According to peace researchers, Russia and the United States together possess almost 90 percent of all nuclear weapons. Their arsenals remained stable during 2022, although transparency decreased significantly after the start of the war against Ukraine.
Even the British government in 2022 did not publicly announce the number of nuclear weapons it has. SIPRI director Smith emphasized that the increasing numbers cannot be explained by the war in Ukraine, because now more time is needed to develop new warheads. In addition, the countries with the largest increase in nuclear weapons were not directly affected by the war.
Significant increase in nuclear weapons in China
The largest increase - 60 new nuclear warheads - was recorded by China, which increased its stockpile of nuclear warheads from 350 to 410. It was followed by Russia (12), Pakistan (5), North Korea (5) and India (4). . SIPRI researchers expect that China's nuclear arsenal will continue to grow and that by the end of the decade, the country could have at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as the US or Russia.
In 2022, India and Pakistan also introduced and continue to develop new types of nuclear carriers. Indian weapons are now designed for longer ranges and can reach targets across China, the researchers surmised.
SIPRI notes with concern the generally heightened rhetoric of states about the importance of nuclear weapons. And North Korea also continues to see a military nuclear program as a central element of its security strategy. Researchers estimate that the country has so far built about 30 warheads and that there is enough fissile material to produce up to 70 warheads.
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