The nuclear arms race is experiencing an unprecedented acceleration, marked by a significant increase in expenditure and geopolitical tensions. Nuclear powers are modernizing their arsenals in the face of growing global instability.

Spending on the rise

Spending on nuclear weapons has tripled in the past five years, reaching a total of $91 billion (€85 billion) by 2023. This increase reflects the determination of the nine nuclear states—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, India, Israel, Pakistan and North Korea — to strengthen and modernize their military capabilities.

Modernization and deployment of nuclear weapons

According to reports from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), these countries have not only increased their spending but also deployed new weapons. Melissa Parke, director of ICAN, states bluntly that a new nuclear arms race is underway.

Nuclear warheads on operational alert

The total number of nuclear warheads in the world has decreased slightly, from 12,512 in 2022 to 12,121 in early 2024. However, the number of warheads ready for immediate use has increased, with 2,100 on high operational alert. Russia and the United States hold the majority of these weapons, possessing 90 % of the world's warheads between them.

Nuclear Arms Race – Unparalleled Spending Growth

The United States largely dominates nuclear weapons spending, with $51.5 billion invested by 2023. China and Russia follow with $11.8 billion and $8.3 billion respectively. Notably, the UK's spending increased by $17 billion to $8.1 billion. This marks the second consecutive year of significant growth.

Economic and geopolitical impact

Global nuclear weapons spending is expected to increase by $10.8 billion in 2023, representing a spending of $2,898 per second. Since 2018, the amount invested has jumped by 33%, reaching a total of $387 billion over this period. This worrying trend underlines rising international tensions and the priority given to the modernization of nuclear arsenals.

Our Conclusion on the Nuclear Arms Race

The nuclear arms race reflects a time of geopolitical tensions increased nuclear power and military rivalries. The colossal investments in nuclear weapons show a determination by world powers to strengthen their strategic position, despite calls for reductions in arsenals. This reality requires reflection on the long-term implications for global security and international stability.

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