A recent report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute highlighted the ongoing modernization of nuclear weapons by the world's nine nuclear-armed states. The report emphasized the increasing reliance on nuclear deterrence in international relations, drawing parallels to the Cold War era.
Notably, Russia and Belarus conducted drills focused on tactical nuclear weapons, signaling Moscow's efforts to dissuade Western support for Ukraine. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons revealed that the nine nuclear-armed states collectively spent $91.4 billion on their arsenals in 2023, with the United States leading the expenditure at $51.5 billion.
The report also pointed out a concerning trend of escalating global spending on nuclear weapons, with the U.S., China, and Russia being the top three spenders. The SIPRI estimated that over 2,100 deployed warheads were on high operational alert, primarily belonging to Russia and the USA.
Despite stable stockpile sizes, Russia reportedly increased its operational warheads in 2023. Transparency regarding nuclear forces has decreased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to heightened debates on nuclear-sharing arrangements.
Asia's nuclear landscape is evolving, with India, Pakistan, and North Korea pursuing multiple warhead deployment capabilities. This development, coupled with existing capacities in major nuclear-armed countries, raises concerns about the potential for rapid escalation and increased target threats.
SIPRI emphasized that its estimates are approximate and subject to annual revisions based on new information. The institute's latest findings underscore the persistent global challenges posed by nuclear weapons proliferation and the urgent need for enhanced disarmament efforts.
