Global Watchdog Reports Operational Nuclear Warheads Maintained Worldwide

Photo : Reuters

Copenhagen: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlighted a concerning trend of increasing operational nuclear warheads among nuclear weapons states, despite an overall decline in global numbers due to dismantlement efforts. In their latest report, SIPRI revealed that as of January, an estimated 12,121 nuclear warheads exist globally, with approximately 9,585 designated for potential military use.

SIPRI Director Dan Smith expressed dismay over the ongoing rise in operational warheads, noting that while Cold War-era weapons are being dismantled, the number of warheads ready for deployment continues to grow. This trend, Smith cautioned, is expected to persist and potentially accelerate in the future, posing significant global security concerns.

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The report also highlighted an increase in the development of nuclear weapons, underscoring states' reliance on nuclear deterrence strategies amid escalating global conflicts. Specifically, 3,904 warheads were reported to be deployed on missiles and aircraft, marking an increase of 60 compared to the previous year. The remaining warheads are stored in centralized facilities.

Historically, the global inventory of nuclear weapons has been decreasing primarily due to efforts by Russia and the United States to dismantle obsolete warheads post-Cold War. However, SIPRI's findings suggest that the pace of disarmament is being outpaced by ongoing military stockpiling and modernization efforts across nuclear-armed nations.

The SIPRI report serves as a stark reminder of the persistent nuclear threats faced by the international community, urging renewed efforts towards nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. As tensions remain high in various regions worldwide, the implications of expanding nuclear arsenals underscore the critical need for diplomatic dialogue and global cooperation to mitigate the risks posed by nuclear weapons proliferation.