Top 9 Countries with the Most Nuclear Weapons in the World

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had bombed three of Iran’s nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. He said the planes are now safely out of Iranian airspace and called the strikes a “spectacular military success.”

These U.S. strikes came after Israel bombed Iran’s nuclear facilities on June 13, killing more than 400 people, and after Iran’s retaliation, which left at least 24 dead in Israel. Many worry that these attacks could spark a larger war in the region.

Meanwhile, nine countries around the world already have nuclear weapons. 

Here is how many each country roughly has, as of 2025:

Russia – 5,889 warheads

Russia holds the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, inherited from the Soviet Union. Its forces include land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles and strategic bombers, all part of a modernisation drive to upgrade old warheads and delivery systems.

United States – 5,244 warheads

The U.S. maintains the second-largest stockpile, spread across intercontinental missiles, submarine fleets and heavy bombers. American doctrine emphasises deterrence, and the government is investing heavily in new warheads and missile-defence technology.

China – 500 warheads

China’s arsenal is smaller but growing quickly, focused mainly on land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched systems. Beijing insists on a “no-first-use” policy, keeping its weapons as a minimum deterrent against attack.

France – 290 warheads

France runs an independent nuclear force, split between seaborne (ballistic-missile submarines) and air-launched missiles carried by fighter jets. Paris views its nuclear arms as vital to national sovereignty and European security.

United Kingdom – 225 warheads

The UK relies solely on submarine-based missiles for its “continuous at-sea deterrent,” ensuring at least one nuclear-armed submarine is always on patrol. Britain keeps its numbers small but technologically advanced.

Pakistan – 170 warheads

Pakistan built its nuclear program to balance India’s arsenal and deter aggression. Its forces include battlefield (tactical) nuclear weapons as well as longer-range missiles aimed at regional targets.

India – 164 warheads

India follows a “no-first-use” policy, maintaining a credible minimum deterrent with land, air and sea launchers in development. New missile tests and submarine patrols aim to complete its nuclear “triad.”

Israel – 90 warheads

Israel has never officially confirmed its arsenal, but expert estimates place it near 90 warheads. It maintains deliberate ambiguity,neither confirming nor denying,and keeps its bombs ready to counter existential threats.

North Korea – 30–50 warheads

North Korea’s small but growing stockpile is paired with frequent missile tests. Pyongyang uses its nuclear program as a shield against foreign intervention and to strengthen its negotiating position on the world stage.