Nuclear Arsenal Developments: China and India
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report detailing significant developments in the nuclear arsenals of China and India, amidst geopolitical uncertainties.
Global Nuclear Arsenal Overview
- The global inventory of nuclear warheads stands at 12,241.
- The United States and Russia together hold nearly 90% of these warheads.
China's Rapid Expansion
- China possesses the fastest growing nuclear arsenal worldwide.
- Since 2023, China has been adding 100 new warheads annually, increasing its total to 600.
- Projections indicate China's arsenal may reach 1,500 warheads by 2035.
- China is nearing completion of 350 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos in the north and east of the country.
- If trends continue, China could match Russia or the USA in ICBM numbers by the decade's end.
India's Arsenal and Developments
- India has slightly expanded its arsenal to 180 warheads, up from 172.
- India is actively developing new missile systems with capabilities for multiple warhead launches.
- New 'canisterized' missiles are under development, capable of transporting mated nuclear warheads, potentially carrying multiple warheads once operational.
- The recent past has seen tests of new variants of the Agni series missiles.
Pakistan's Nuclear Status
- Pakistan is developing new missile technologies.
- The number of warheads remains static at 170, according to SIPRI estimates.
