"Globally, only 10 nations possess nuclear weapons—and Russia and the US alone control over 90% of them."

News World. Only 10 countries in the world possess nuclear weapons, with Russia and the United States holding over 90% of the global nuclear arsenal. Here’s a breakdown of each country’s stockpile:  

1. Russia

- Total warheads: 5,449

- Program start: 1949  

- Key fact: Russia has the largest nuclear missile stockpile in the world.  

2. United States

- Total warheads: 5,277

- Program start: 1945 (first nuclear test)  

- Key fact: The only country to have used nuclear weapons in war (Hiroshima & Nagasaki).  

3. China

- Total warheads: 600+

- Program start: 1964  

- Key fact: The third-largest nuclear power and Nepal’s neighbor.  

4. France

- Total warheads: 290

- Program start: 1960  

- Key fact: The sole nuclear-armed EU nation.

5. United Kingdom

- Total warheads: 225

- Program start: 1952  

- Key fact: Maintains a sea-based deterrent (Trident missiles).  

6. India

- Total warheads: 180

- Program start: 1974  

- Key fact: Follows a “No First Use” (NFU) policy but modernizing its arsenal.  

7. Pakistan

- Total warheads: 170

- Program start: 1998  

- Key fact: Nuclear program is India-centric for strategic balance.  

8. Israel

- Estimated warheads: 90+

- Program start: 1960s (undeclared)  

- Key fact: Neither confirms nor denies possession (policy of ambiguity).  

9. North Korea

- Estimated warheads: 50+

- Program start: 2006 (first test)  

- Key fact: Pursues offensive-defensive strategies against the U.S. & South Korea.  

10. Iran

- Estimated warheads: 100+ (unconfirmed)  

- Status: No official declaration, but suspected of uranium enrichment.  

Global Context

- Russia & the U.S. dominate with ~90% of all nuclear weapons.

- India, Pakistan, and North Korea have expanded arsenals recently.

- Iran’s program remains controversial under international scrutiny.  

(Source: Federation of American Scientists - FAS)