SIPRI Annual Report 2025

Context

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its annual assessment of the state of armaments, disarmament and global security for 2025.

Key Highlights

• Global Nuclear Trends (2025): Total nuclear warheads: 12,241.
• Military stockpiles (operational/potential): 9,614.
• Deployed: 3,912.
• High alert (ballistic missiles): ~2,100, on the whole U.S. And Russia.
  • India has 180 nuclear stored warheads as of January 2025, whilst Pakistan has an expected 170. 
  • China has 600 nuclear warheads as of January 2025, of which 24 are deployed warheads or the ones positioned on missiles or placed on bases with operational forces.
• Expansion and Modernisation: Nearly all of the nine nuclear-armed states—US, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel—persisted in extensive nuclear modernization programmes in 2024.
  • India barely multiplied its nuclear arsenal in 2024 and persisted development of new nuclear delivery systems with improved capabilities.
  • Pakistan endured development of latest shipping systems, amassed extra fissile material, indicating intent to extend its arsenal.
  • China improved expansion of its nuclear arsenal, It brought ~100 warheads annually on the grounds that 2023.
• Military Expenditure: Global spending reached $2.7 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% increase.
  • Top spenders: USA ($997 billion), China ($314 billion).
  • Top importers: Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan.
  • Top exporters: USA (43%), France (9.6%), Russia (7.8%).

Concerns & Outlook

• Arms manage weakening: No major nuclear powers completely dedicated to disarmament.
  • The generation of discounts in international arsenals can be finished.
  • China is increasing its nuclear force steadily and can reach 1,000 warheads in 7–8 years.
  • All 9 nuclear-armed states invested heavily in modernisation in 2024, such as: upgraded systems, new technologies (e.g., MIRVs, canisterisation, AI-based command and control).
• New Nuclear States: Revitalized national debates in East Asia, Europe and the Middle East about nuclear repute and strategy recommend there is some capability for more states to expand their personal nuclear weapons.
  • Russia and the US collectively own around 90% of all nuclear weapons.
  • Both states are implementing significant modernization programmes that might increase the size and number in their arsenals in the future. 
  • If no new agreement is reached to cap their stockpiles, the number of warheads they set up on strategic missiles seems likely to increase after the bilateral 2010 Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START) expires in February 2026.

Source: The Indian Express

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defense sector is now set to be liberalized: What influence is this expected to have on Indian defense and economy in the short and long run? (2014)

Download as PDF