Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor Reports Rise in Ready Warheads

The Norwegian People's Aid and the Federation of American Scientists released the annual Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor report on Thursday, warning that the era of nuclear reduction has ended. The report finds that nearly all nine nuclear-armed states—Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea—are currently modernizing or expanding their arsenals.

While the total global stockpile decreased to 12,187 at the start of 2026, the number of weapons quickly available for use rose to an estimated 9,745 last year, an increase of 141 from 2024. This includes 4,012 warheads deployed on ballistic missiles, submarines, mobile launchers, or bomber bases. Experts warn this trend, coupled with the recent lapse of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States, increases the risk of accidental use and rapid escalation.

By the end of 2025, 99 countries joined the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, yet none of the nuclear-armed states signed the agreement. Instead, these nations continue to invest in modernization, supported by 33 umbrella states. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons has urged these states to join the global majority in pursuing total disarmament.