Researchers warn of increased global nuclear risk as states deploy more warheads

Researchers on Monday warned that nuclear-armed states are increasing the deployment of their weapons, leading to a heightened risk in global politics. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI reported an estimated total of 12,187 warheads globally, with approximately 9,745 in stockpiles for potential use. While this marks a marginal decrease from the previous year due to the dismantling of older warheads since the Cold War, SIPRI director Karim Haggag noted that the level of nuclear dangers is rising. SIPRI predicts a reversal in the trend of declining nuclear arms stockpiles, with the pace of dismantlement slowing and new weapon deployment accelerating. Haggag highlighted the breakdown of strategic arms control agreements and increased competition among great powers as worrying signs. The United States and Russia collectively possess about 83 percent of the world's nuclear arms, each with over 5,000 warheads, and both are modernizing their arsenals despite challenges. China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other nation, with an estimated 620 warheads, and could match the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles held by the US and Russia by 2030. India has slightly expanded its arsenal to 190 warheads, while Pakistan's remains stable at 170 but continues to accumulate fissile material. North Korea is also expanding its arsenal, estimated at 60 warheads, and Israel is believed to be modernizing its estimated 90 warheads.