Last week, a senior White House official cautioned about potential strategic nuclear weapon deployment unless adversaries change their arsenals.
Pranay Vaddi, a key figure at the White House, emphasized the need for readiness to act swiftly in such scenarios.
Despite reductions in global nuclear weapons due to the dismantling of retired warheads by countries like Russia and America, the pace of reduction has slowed down.
Vaddi expressed concerns over China, Russia, and North Korea rapidly expanding and diversifying their nuclear arsenals.
A recent report from the Federation of American Scientists highlighted increases in nuclear stocks by these countries, as well as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom.
The FAS report, using publicly available information, estimated stockpile sizes and compositions of nuclear weapons.
U.S.
The U.S. currently holds 5,044 warheads, with 1,336 retired for dismantlement. The remaining warheads include reserves and deployed weapons on various strategic platforms.
Russia
Russia leads in nuclear weapons, with 5,580 estimated warheads. Tensions with NATO led Russia to suspend its participation in the New START Treaty.
Amidst provocative threats, Russian President Putin ordered tactical nuclear weapon exercises in response.
China
China ranks third with around 500 warheads, focusing on rapid expansion in its arsenal. It aims to increase its stockpile significantly by 2030.
China’s no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons sets it apart, with calls for non-first strike agreements and reducing global arsenals.
North Korea
North Korea is estimated to have around 50 warheads, facing international sanctions to curb its nuclear programs.
Pyongyang argues that nuclear weapons are necessary for self-defense. However, any use of nuclear weapons could lead to severe consequences.