SIPRI Yearbook 2026 flags widening reliance on nuclear weapons amid rising risk
SIPRI Yearbook 2026 warns that states are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons, reversing post‑Cold War disarmament as arsenals are modernized and expanded. Global stockpiles stood at about 12,187 warheads in January 2026, with around 9,745 in military stockpiles and 4,012 deployed; roughly 2,100–2,200 deployed on high alert. Russia and the United States together hold about 83% of usable warheads. Major powers—US, Russia, China, UK, France, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel—are expanding and diversifying capabilities, while geopolitical tensions and the expiry of New START deepen uncertainty. The NPT Review Conference failed to produce a final outcome, signaling a weakening non-proliferation regime and raising the risk of miscalculation as dialogue erodes. SIPRI warns that increasing weaponization of security and trade, plus European moves toward greater nuclear sharing, could further destabilize strategic balance.
