The dawn of the atomic age irrevocably altered the landscape of global security. Since the devastating events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons have stood as the ultimate deterrent, shaping geopolitical strategies and casting a long shadow over international relations. These weapons, capable of unleashing destruction on an unprecedented scale, have fundamentally redefined the concept of warfare and forced nations to reckon with the existential threat of their use. While the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) aims to limit their spread, a select group of countries has openly developed and maintained nuclear arsenals, while others are widely believed to possess them. This article seeks to provide an exhaustive list of countries that currently possess nuclear weapons. Understanding who holds these immense powers is crucial for comprehending the delicate balance of power and the ongoing efforts towards global disarmament.

It's worth noting that the number of nuclear warheads and their deployment can vary depending on the source and the date. These numbers are based on data available up to June 2025.

Nuclear-Armed Countries

1. Russia: 5,459 nuclear warheads (with 1,718 deployed strategic warheads)

2. United States: 5,177 nuclear warheads (with 1,670 deployed strategic warheads and 100 deployed non-strategic warheads)

3. China: 600 nuclear warheads (with 24 deployed strategic warheads)

4. France: 290 nuclear warheads (with 280 deployed strategic warheads)

  5. United Kingdom: 225 nuclear warheads (with 120 deployed strategic warheads)

6. India: 180 nuclear warheads

7. Pakistan: 170 nuclear warheads

8. Israel: 90 nuclear warheads

9. North Korea: 50 nuclear warheads

Additionally, some countries host nuclear weapons owned by other nations. These include:

Belgium: Hosts US nuclear weapons

Germany: Hosts US nuclear weapons

Italy: Hosts US nuclear weapons

Netherlands: Hosts US nuclear weapons

Turkey: Hosts US nuclear weapons

Belarus: Hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons

The exhaustive list of countries possessing nuclear weapons underscores a stark reality: despite decades of disarmament efforts and international treaties, the threat of nuclear conflict remains a tangible concern. The nine nations confirmed or widely believed to possess nuclear arsenals—the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea—continue to shape global security dynamics. While some have actively reduced their stockpiles, others are engaged in modernization programs, highlighting the persistent challenges to non-proliferation. The existence of these weapons of mass destruction necessitates ongoing vigilance, robust diplomatic engagement, and a renewed commitment to arms control. The long-term goal of a world free from nuclear weapons, though arduous, remains a critical imperative for international peace and security, demanding collective action and unwavering dedication from the global community.