SIPRI: With peace elusive, nuclear weapons make a comeback

Published 8 June 2026 · finance

Governments are increasingly turning to nuclear deterrence. As the global arms buildup intensifies, so do the risks, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warns. Many

Governments are increasingly turning to nuclear deterrence. As the global arms buildup intensifies, so do the risks, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warns. Many countries are ramping up their military capabilities — and nuclear weapons are back on the agenda. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), all nine nuclear-armed countries modernized and expanded their arsenals in 2025. In addition to new nuclear weapons, additional delivery systems have been introduced that can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads. These include missiles or cruise missiles. For the 2026 annual report, the SIPRI researchers identify a general trend: More governments are once again banking on nuclear weapons for national defense. Tytti Erasto, a scientist with SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction program, told DW that Finland and Sweden are examples of countries where nuclear policy has changed drastically since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and after their accession to NATO. "Historically known as nonaligned supporters of nuclear disarmament, these states are now actively involved in NATO nuclear policy, for example by taking part in exercises simulating nuclear weapon use," Erasto said. According to SIPRI, there were nearly 12,200 nuclear weapons worldwide in 2025. Though this is a slight decrease compared with 2024, it is not an indicator of disarmament. At present, more outdated warheads are being retired than new ones are being added.

Researchers found that that will likely change. "This trend is likely to be reversed in the coming years," they wrote, "as the pace of dismantlement is slowing, while the deployment of new nuclear weapons is accelerating." Has Iran war harmed nuclear nonproliferation efforts? To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Governments 'flexing their nuclear muscles' In 2009, US President Barack Obama was celebrated for his vision of a world free from nuclear weapons. Current developments show a world moving in the opposite direction. In February, the last remaining international agreement limiting the number of nuclear weapons expired — the New START treaty between the United States and Russia. "The evidence is growing that the nuclear weapon states are sidelining, and even walking away from, their disarmament commitments and are instead flexing their nuclear muscles," said Hans M. Kristensen, a nuclear weapons expert with SIPRI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction program and the Federation of American Scientists. "By reaching for nuclear solutions, states are creating new risks and fueling arms-race dynamics." According to SIPRI, nine states possess nuclear weapons: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel, which has not officially confirmed that it holds nuclear arms. SIPRI data show that Russia and the United States combine for about 83% of all deployable nuclear warheads.