Nuclear Warheads - Devastating for whole earth. Worldwide counting of such stockpiles (December 2024):

 

Worldwide counting of  Nuclear Weapons:
Before counting the nuclear weapons, we will try to understand the meaning of Nuclear weapons, Strategic Nuclear Weapons (SNWs), and Tactical Nuclear weapons (TNWs). What are Nuclear weapons? They are made from enriched radioactive materials. Due to nuclear reactions (fission and/or fusion), nuclear weapons are capable of killing millions of people instantly and have long-lasting devastating impacts on humanity and the environment. No other weapons can have such devastating effects. Nuclear weapons are explosive devices and after detonating release a large amount of energy in the form of heat, shock waves, shuttering effects, and radiation. The released energy is measured in Kilotons (1000 tons of TNT) or megatons (1,000,000 tons of TNT). Tri Nitro Toluene (TNT) is an explosive material that is mentioned here for reference. These nuclear weapons are also called atom bombs, A-bombs, Nuclear bombs, nuclear warheads, or nukes. Modern nuclear weapons are the most dangerous on the earth. They are also called Thermonuclear weapons, Thermonuclear bombs, fusion bombs, Hydrogen bombs, or H-bombs.   Difference between Strategic Nuclear Weapons (SNWs), and Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs): Strategic Nuclear Weapons (SNW) are designed to maximize the damage in large interior areas including army bases, cities, and arms industries of an enemy nation. However, Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs) produce a lower impact than strategic ones. Tactical nuclear weapons are used in proximity for limited strikes in warzone or friendly areas. It is quite obvious that the countries possessing (Strategic Nuclear Weapons (SNWs) also have Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs).
There are no confirmed and authentic records regarding the number of Nuclear Weapons in the possession of the different countries. However, as per the data available and compiled from the internet, the status of the nuclear weapons in the world is given below:
Country name	Approximate No. of Nuclear Weapons:
Russia	6257
United States	5748
China	440 to 500
France	290
United Kingdom (UK)	225
Pakistan	170
India	172
Israel	90 to 100
North Korea	50

List of nations hosting Nuclear Weapons: 5 countries are hosting the nuclear armaments provided by the USA and 1 country is hosting the same provided by Russia as given below:
Country’s name	No. of Nuclear weapons hosted:
Nuclear weapons provided by the USA: (Numbers given are in approximation only)
Italy	20 to 35
Turkiye	20
Belgium	15 to 20
Germany	15 to 20
Netherlands	15 to 20
Total of the above provided by the USA	100 (approximately)
Nuclear weapons provided by Russia:
Belarus	Believed to be 130 approximately
In addition to 6 hosting countries as above, 28 more countries endorse the use of nuclear weapons due to various reasons like members of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)  and  CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization). List of 28 such countries are listed below:
Albania	Armenia
Australia	Belarus
Belgium	Bulgaria
Canada	Croatia
Czech	Denmark
Estonia	Finland
Germany	Greece
Hungary	Iceland
Italy	Japan
Latvia	Lithuania
Luxembourg	Montenegro
The Netherlands	The north Macedonia
Norway	Poland
Portugal	Romania
Slovakia	Slovenia
South Korea	Spain
Sweeden	Turkey (Turkiye)

Nuclear stockpiles made by the different countries:
Russia: Russia owns approximately 6257 Nuclear weapons. Of them, roughly 1588 are actively deployed to deliver by 540 (approximately) strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers). It is estimated that roughly 3039 nuclear weapons are inactive but ready to make them active. It is also learned that out of 6257 nuclear warheads, the number of retired atomic warheads is around 1200 to 1760 which are yet to be dismantled. It is also assessed that Russia has around 1000 to 2000 (TNWs). Russia adopted the nuclear weapons delivery systems by Triad (air, sea, and land means). In addition, Russian nuclear weapons are also hosted by Belarus. It is believed that around 130 nuclear weapons have been given by Russia and its probable location is Lida in Belarus. It is believed that these are provided with two delivery systems as given below: Dual-capable Iskandar-M missile systems. Training and modifications for Belarusian Su-25 aircraft to carry nuclear warheads.  It estimated that the Soviet Union had the highest number of nuclear weapons in 1986 and that counting was around 40000 to 45000. In another estimate, it is believed that Russia (Soviet Union) built around 55,000 nuclear warheads since 1949. Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine had nuclear weapons when they were the part of Soviet Union till 1991. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, such nuclear warheads were returned to Russia as given below: Kazakhstan had around 1400 nuclear weapons of the Soviet era and returned all to Russia by 1995. Ukraine had around 3000 nuclear weapons of the Soviet era, and these were removed from Ukraine by 1996, and disassembled in Russia. Belarus had 81 single-warhead nuclear missiles which were transferred to Russia by 1996. However, it is believed that Belarus hosted approximately 130 nuclear weapons given by Russia after the Russia-Ukraine war in 2023.
United States: The U.S. owns approximately 5748 Nuclear weapons. Out of them, approximately 1744 are already actively deployed and ready to be delivered by 662 (approximately) strategic delivery systems (ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers). It is estimated that roughly 2361 nuclear weapons are inactive but ready to make them active. It is also learned that out of 5748 nuclear weapons, the number of retired atomic weapons is around 1800 to 2000 which are yet to be dismantled. In an estimate, it is assumed that the USA had having largest number of nuclear weapons in 1966, and that number was around 31,175. At one place, it is also estimated that the USA developed the highest number of nuclear warheads at approximately 70,000 during the Cold War era. The USA was the first nation to develop the Hydrogen bomb in 1952 and deployed it in 1954. The USA adopted the nuclear weapons delivery systems by Triad (air, sea, and land means). Before 1974, Taiwan hosted some nuclear warheads given by the USA.  Till 1970, Japan also hosted some nuclear warheads given by the USA. From 1964 to 1984, the USA stationed some nuclear warheads in Canada at two locations; CFB Goose Bay and Labrador. The USA stationed some of the nuclear weapons in Greece till 2001. Under a secret plan, the USA stockpiled its nuclear weapons in the Philipines specifically between 1965 to 1986. The nuclear arsenals where nuclear weapons are kept are listed below: Submarines 80-feet deep missile silos across the five of the Great Plains states. Airforce bases where these nuclear warheads can be loaded on the long-range bombers. Roughly half of the deployed nuclear warheads can be kept at hair alert trigger. Hundreds of nuclear arsenals can be launched within a minute after getting the presidential order. Some of the details regarding alert forces are mentioned below: Almost all of the 400 silo-based Inter Contentianal Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). These can be launched within a couple of minutes. A similar number of nuclear warheads on Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). These can be launched within 15 minutes. The destruction power of nuclear weapons varies widely as given below: The B83 gravity bomb is one of the most powerful nuclear weapons. It is 80 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Smallest (low-yield) nuclear weapons have only 2% (roughly) power compared to most powerful nuclear weapons. It is estimated that one US nuclear-armed submarine has the destructive power equivalent to 7 times of total number of nuclear bombs (including the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) dropped during World War -II, It is learned that the US has 10 such nuclear-armed submarines deployed in the sea. In addition, the USA has deployed approximately 100 numbers of B-61 nuclear gravity bombs which are deployed in the forward areas of 6 NATO air bases in 5 European countries as given below:
Country	Deployed locations
Italy	Aviano & Ghedi
Germany	Buchel
Turkey	İncirlik
Belgium	Kleine Brogel
The Netherlands	Volkel
China: China started to develop nuclear weapons during the Cold War era. Its nuclear triad (three legs of nuclear forces: air, sea, and land) delivery system is in the process of increasing, spearheading, and expanding the strength of nuclear weapons. It has three silo fields for the storage of ICBMs (Inter Continental Ballistic Missiles) at three different locations in northwest China. As per the unconfirmed data, China has around 500 nuclear weapons for delivery by ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers. Out of the above-mentioned 500 nuclear weapons, approximately 310 have been assigned to 206 strategic launchers (ICBMs and SLBMs). In addition to 500 Nuclear weapons, 60 more nuclear weapons are produced for arming additional road-mobile and silo-based missiles and bombers. More than 100 nuclear warheads are assigned to reach the U.S. Unlike the U.S. and Russia, China does not have its warheads/missiles on hair-trigger alert. Since 1990, China has been expanding, strengthening, and modernizing its nuclear weapons significantly.  As of December 2024, it is assessed that China will acquire around 600 Nuclear weapons, and if it continues to expand in similar manners, may have up to 1,000 deliverable nuclear warheads by 2030.  In one of the assessments, it is expected that in the coming decade, China will be capable of deploying the ICBMs, at least equal to or more than the USA, and Russia will have in that period. However overall nuclear warheads stockpiles are expected to remain lower than the US, and Russia.
United Kingdom (UK): It is estimated that the UK has military stockpiles of 225 Nuclear weapons.  Out of 225 nuclear weapons, around 120 warheads are operationally available for deployment on 48 SLBMs, and the remaining 105 are kept in the arsenal. These nuclear weapons are either already loaded on submarines or can be loaded very quickly. It is learned that approximately  40 nuclear weapons are constantly deployed and patrol on a nuclear-powered submarine ballistic missile (SSBN which stands for Ship, Submersible, Ballistic, and Nuclear). All these nuclear weapons are sea-based and carried by a total of four   Vanguard-class Trident --II D5 nuclear-powered Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). Such submarined-launched ballistic missiles are purchased from the United States. In 2016, it planned to renew its delivery system with Dreadnought class submarines. Against the previous promise to limit the number of nuclear warheads to 180, the UK has announced its new limit of 260. It tested the first Hydrogen bomb in 1957 and became the third country after the USA, and Russia (Soviet Union).
France: It is estimated that France has approximately 290 operational Nuclear weapons that are available for deployment in 98 to 102 strategic delivery systems. Out of 98 strategic delivery systems, 48  (3 sets of sixteen) are assigned for SLBM-based delivery systems (Triomphant), and 50 to 54 are assigned for Air Launched Cruise Missiles (ALCMs) allocated for dual-capable land and carrier-based fighter aircraft. France has a long-term modernization plan for Nuclear warheads.
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK): (It is also called North Korea): As per unconfirmed data, North Korea has: Approximately 50 Nuclear weapons. Enough fissile material to develop 40 to 55 more individual nuclear weapons. Developed long-range missiles and/or growing capability to develop them. A 5-megawatt heavy-water graphite-moderated reactor to extract plutonium for developing nuclear warheads is operated by North Korea. North Korea also has a Uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon.  It is suspected that North Korea is operating additional covert Uranium enrichment facilities at some other locations. North Korea has already various nuclear-capable missiles of various ranges including  ICBMs. It is also claimed to have the Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs).   North Korea conducted 90 ballistic missile tests in 2022, which is the highest in a year for North Korea.
India: In possession of approximately 172 Nuclear weapons. Developing more nuclear weapons. Triad (air, sea, and land means) delivery system is adopted by India. In 1998, India tested weaponized nuclear warheads including thermonuclear devices. India is capable of completing the nuclear fuel cycle, and a range of nuclear delivery systems.  It is noticed that India is encashing missiles in canisters and conducting sea-based deterrence patrols, which indicates that India is moving towards the practice of mating some of its warheads with their launchers during peacetime. Till 2010, India was focussing on a limited range of nuclear systems to deter Pakistan. However, with the development of long-range missiles that are capable of reaching anywhere in China, India is increasing its focus to deter China.
Pakistan: In possession of approximately 170 Nuclear weapons. Developing more nuclear weapons. Emphasizing short-range Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNW). May lower the threshold to use these weapons. Triad delivery system by aircraft, ground-launched ballistic & cruise missiles,  and sea-launched ballistic missiles is adopted by Pakistan. It is believed that Pakistan has possessed nuclear weapons since the mid-1980s. However, the USA continued to certify till 1990 that Pakistan does not have nuclear weapons. It is believed that Nuclear fissile and weapons will continue to grow for the next 10 years.
Israel: Israel does not accept or deny having nuclear weapons. However, it is believed that Israel developed its first nuclear weapon in 1966. It is believed that France has provided the nuclear reactor. It is estimated to own around 90 to 100 Nuclear weapons in its arsenal. However, Some other estimates assessed this number to be 400 nuclear weapons. In addition,  Israel is capable of developing 200 more nuclear weapons. It is believed that Israel has kept these nuclear warheads in a semi-assembled state. It is suspected that Israel has adopted the triad (Sea, air, and land) delivery system for nuclear weapons.

Interesting facts about nuclear warheads:  However, the picture is not clear due to the non-availability of authentic data, some of the facts compiled from the internet are summarized below:

So far, nuclear bombs have been used twice during World War II when the U.S. dropped them on Hiroshima and Nagasaki city of Japan on 6 August 1945, and 9 August 1945 respectively. The exact casualties due to these two bombings are not yet known. However, it is estimated that more than 70000 people died instantly in Hiroshima alone. Later on 70000 to 80000 people died in Hiroshima due to the post effect of nuclear detonation.   Most of the modern nuclear warheads are many times more powerful than the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima. During the Cold War era (1947-91), approximately (60000 to 70300) nuclear warheads were owned by the world. The highest (70300) is believed in 1986. A single nuclear warhead can kill hundreds of thousands of people with long-lasting adverse effects on humanity and the environment. If a nuclear warhead is detonated in New York City, around 583160 fatalities may be estimated.

Apartheid South African Government had few ( approximately 6) nuclear warheads in the 1989s, however, such warheads were dismantled before the transition of government in 1994.

Before the Persian Gulf War (1991), Iraq initiated a secret nuclear plan under the Saddam Hussain regime. However, he was forced to abandon the plan under the supervision of UN inspectors.

Libya voluntarily abandoned its secret nuclear weapons plan in December 2003.

Syria is suspected of having nuclear warheads and/or capable of developing the same. In 2007, Israel bombed a reactor that was under construction at Al-Kibar for developing nuclear weapons.

Iran is also suspected of having nuclear warheads and/or capable of developing the same.

In earlier days, Argentina, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, South Korea, and Taiwan had also worked on nuclear weapons plans.

Turkiye does not have any commercial nuclear reactors in operation. However, it is believed that four VVER-1200 reactors are being built at the Akkuyu power plant.

Who will give commands to use the nuclear weapons? The different countries have their system to give the commands to use nuclear weapons. However, as per the compiled data, the details regarding the commanding authorities are listed below:

USA: President of USA. Presidential Emergency satchel is always handled by the nearby aide if the president is not near the command center. Some military commanders have been authorized to launch nuclear weapons in case the president is unable to make the precise decision due to urgency and unavoidable circumstances.

Russia: President. However, approval from the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff may also be needed.  A semi-automated Dead Hand system (named Briefcase) allows military commanders to act based on certain pre-defined criteria.

France: President of France. The Chief of the Military Staff and Chief of the Defense Staff may also be involved in the decisions.

UK: Prime Minister. Secret instructions have been issued to nuclear-armed submarine commanders in letters of last resort which may or may not give them the delegated launch authority. However, it may be challenged in the parliament.

China: Information is not clear. However, the launching of nuclear weapons is believed to be commanded by the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party. The chairman of the Central Military Commission is the Supreme Military Commander.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK):  (It is also called North Korea): President of the state affairs is the ultimate authority to launch nuclear weapons. The supreme commander of armed forces.

India: Prime Minister of India. Power is delegated to the Nuclear Command Authority which includes an Executive Council and Political Council.

Pakistan: Power is delegated to National Command Authority, and requires the consensus of the council’s members.

Israel: Prime Minister of India.  Agreement from the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of the General Staff is also required. Power is delegated to an authorized committee.

Note: Some countries have delegated the launch authority to the military personnel if the usual launch authority is incapacitated; whether or not the pre-delegated authority exists at any particular time is kept secret.

Final words: Modern nuclear weapons are more powerful and dangerous for the entire humanity and the environment. If We summarize updated facts compiled from the internet, the following figure emerges for worldwide stockpiles of nuclear arsenals:
Total number of Nuclear weapons in the world	13080 (approximately)
Worldwide total number of nuclear weapons in the military service	9600 (approximately)
Worldwide, the total number of actively deployed nuclear weapons	3880 (approximately)
Number of countries in possession of nuclear weapons	9 (approximately)
number of countries hosting nuclear weapons	6 (approximately)
Number of countries endorsing the use of Nuclear weapons	28 (approximately)
The total sum of countries possessing + hosting+ endorsing the use of nuclear weapons	9 + 6 + 28 = 43 (approximately) (it is the sum of the last three rows)
Russia is considered the first and most powerful to hold the highest number of nuclear weapons.
The USA is considered second, just behind Russia.
If we add the nuclear arsenals owned by Russia and the USA, it counts roughly 88% to 90% of the total nuclear weapons in the world.
As an approximation, compared to the total number (60000 to 70,300) of nuclear weapons in the world during the Cold War era (1947-1991), the existing total number of atomic weapons is reduced to approximately 13080. However, it may be noted that modern nuclear warheads are many times more powerful than the old ones. Reduction in the stockpiles also includes dismantled arsenals due to their retirements.
Almost all major nuclear power countries including the US, Russia, and China are increasing their nuclear warheads' strength in size and/or capability. They are also modernizing their nuclear weapons delivery system.
Around 2000 warheads, mainly from Russia and USA are kept on very high alert.
China, India, and Pakistan are developing new ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and sea-based nuclear weapons delivery systems.

Disclaimer: The information given in this blog is based on the data available and compiled from the internet. Utmost care and efforts are made to share updated and authentic information with the help of the following and similar websites. However, the author does not take a guarantee (legal or otherwise) for its correctness and completeness. Since the data mentioned above are not officially declared by the states, therefore the available information may be contradictory, incorrect, or exaggerated. This blog is not AI-generated and written manually. Any typographical errors are regretted. Moreover, it is written for education and information purposes only. In case of need, please communicate with us. It is further requested that before using the given information, please cross-check from reliable sources. https://www.icanw.org https://www.ucsusa.org https://www.armscontrol.org https://www.sipri.org https://fas.org/ https://ourworldindata.org/ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com https://www.jagranjosh.com https://www.historyextra.com

“Nuclear energy should be used for the safety of nature and humanity, instead of making destructive arsenals.” +Hope for the best+ =The END=