Russia and the US increase the number of nuclear weapons as the conflict in Ukraine has not ended.
(Baonghean.vn) - Nuclear powers are modernizing their arsenals, as Russia's special military campaign in Ukraine shows no signs of ending.
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| Russia's Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system parades through Red Square. Photo: Reuters |
According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the number of nuclear warheads of Russia and the United States is increasing rapidly.
Specifically, in January 2023, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel had a total of 12,512 nuclear weapons, of which 9,576 warheads were stored in warehouses. This number is 86 more than last year. The SIPRI report noted that 2,000 nuclear warheads are on "red alert".
Among these countries, Russia and the United States - the "big guys" - possess the largest number. The United States currently has 1,770 warheads, more than last year (1,744 warheads). Russia possesses 1,674 warheads, more than last year (1,588 warheads).
Thus, Russia and the United States possess 90% of the world's nuclear weapons.
Previously, China said that Russia's deployment of nuclear weapons in Belarus would make Ukraine "tremble".
By 2022, the researchers concluded, the size of Russia and the United States' nuclear arsenals would be "relatively stable." However, in addition to their stockpiles of usable nuclear weapons, both nuclear powers also have more than 1,000 previously decommissioned warheads.
North Korea continues to prioritize its military nuclear weapons program, according to the SIPRI report. Although it did not conduct any nuclear tests in 2022, its leadership has conducted more than 90 ballistic missile launches. SIPRI estimates that Pyongyang currently has around 30 warheads, and enough fuel for 50-70 more.
