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| Image Credit: Google |
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the world's nine nuclear-armed states continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals.
SIPRI's Yearbook 2023 reveals that China's stockpile of nuclear warheads increased by 17% in 2022, reaching an estimated total of 410 warheads in January 2023.
The
report suggests that China's nuclear arsenal is expected to continue growing,
potentially rivaling the United States and Russia in terms of intercontinental
ballistic missiles (ICBMs) by 2030.
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| Image Credit: Google |
China's Expansion and Concerns:
SIPRI highlights that China has embarked on a significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal, raising concerns among experts.
Hans M Kristensen, associate senior fellow at SIPRI's weapons of mass destruction program, expresses doubts about China's stated aim of maintaining minimal nuclear forces for national security.
This expansion comes alongside China's efforts to modernize its military equipment and weaponry, despite being already home to the world's largest fighting force.
Global
Nuclear Stockpiles:
SIPRI estimates that the total number of nuclear warheads globally reached 12,512 in January 2023, with approximately 9,576 warheads in military stockpiles.
Of these, 3,844 warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft, while around 2,000 warheads, primarily from Russia and the US, were maintained in a state of high operational alert.
However, transparency regarding nuclear forces has
declined in Russia and the US due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, leading to the
suspension of the New START Treaty.
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| Data of Nuclear stockpile upto June, 2023 Image Credit: Google |
Nuclear
Developments in Other Countries:
SIPRI's report highlights the expansion of nuclear arsenals in India and Pakistan, with both countries developing new delivery systems.
India, in particular, is placing greater emphasis on longer-range weapons, potentially capable of reaching targets in China.
North Korea has also made its nuclear program a priority, significantly increasing its estimated number of warheads and fissile material.
Additionally, the United Kingdom plans to grow its warhead stockpile,
while France continues its development of advanced nuclear-powered submarines
and air-launched cruise missiles.
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| Data of Nuclear stockpile upto March, 2022 Image Credit: Google |
Escalating
Risks and Calls for Cooperation:
SIPRI warns that the world is entering a dangerous period, with escalating geopolitical tensions and increased nuclear competition among states.
The think tank stresses the importance of international cooperation to address these challenges, emphasizing the need to calm tensions, slow arms races, and tackle global issues such as environmental breakdown and hunger.
The SIPRI Yearbook
serves as an annual assessment of armaments, disarmament, and global security.
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| Image Credit: Google |
Laslty:
The SIPRI Yearbook 2023 sheds light on the continued modernization and expansion of nuclear arsenals worldwide.
China's nuclear arsenal has notably grown by 17% in 2022, raising concerns among experts about its declared intentions of minimal nuclear forces.
The report also highlights nuclear developments in India, Pakistan, North Korea, the United Kingdom, France, and Israel.
Amidst
escalating risks, international cooperation is crucial to mitigate geopolitical
tensions and reduce the threat of nuclear weapons use.
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