Top 9 Countries with the Largest Nuclear Stockpiles in 2025–26
Today, the world is facing many security problems. Because of this, nuclear weapons are again becoming an important topic. As of early 2026, the world has about 12,321 nuclear warheads. This data comes from the Federation of American Scientists report (October 2025). Even though the number of nuclear weapons is much lower than during the Cold War, some countries are still keeping or increasing their stock.
Russia and the United States together hold about 86 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world.
| Rank | Country | Military Stockpile | Total Inventory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 4,309 | 5,459 |
| 2 | United States | 3,700 | 5,177 |
| 3 | China | 600 | 600 |
| 4 | France | 290 | 370 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 225 | 225 |
| 6 | India | 180 | 180 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 170 | 170 |
| 8 | Israel | 90 | 90 |
| 9 | North Korea | 50 | 50 |
Russia has the most nuclear weapons in the world. It is number one in 2025–26.
The United States is second. It has slightly fewer weapons than Russia.
China is third. It has much fewer weapons compared to Russia and the US.
France is one of the top nuclear powers in Europe.
The UK also has nuclear weapons but in smaller numbers.
India is one of the nuclear-armed countries in Asia.
Pakistan is close to India in total number of nuclear weapons.
Israel has a smaller but important nuclear stockpile.
North Korea has the smallest number among the top nine nuclear powers.
Q1. Which country had the largest nuclear military stockpile as of October 2025?
A. United States
B. China
C. Russia
D. France
Answer: C. Russia
Explanation:
Russia had 4,309 warheads in its military stockpile.
It ranked first in 2025–26.
It also had the highest total inventory.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 5,459
• Data source: October 2025
• Rank: 1st
Q2. How many total nuclear warheads were there in the world in early 2026?
A. 10,321
B. 11,500
C. 12,321
D. 13,200
Answer: C. 12,321
Explanation:
The total number of nuclear warheads worldwide was 12,321.
This includes deployed and reserve weapons.
The data is from early 2026 estimates.
Information Booster:
• Strategic ready weapons: ~3,812
• Military stockpile: ~9,614
• Source: FAS Report
Q3. Which country ranked second in nuclear military stockpile in 2025–26?
A. China
B. United States
C. France
D. India
Answer: B. United States
Explanation:
The US had 3,700 warheads in its military stockpile.
It ranked second after Russia.
It also had over 5,000 total inventory.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 5,177
• Rank: 2nd
• Holds major global share
Q4. How many nuclear warheads does China have in its military stockpile in 2025–26?
A. 500
B. 550
C. 600
D. 650
Answer: C. 600
Explanation:
China had 600 nuclear warheads in 2025–26.
It ranked third globally.
It has far fewer than Russia and the US.
Information Booster:
• Rank: 3rd
• Total inventory: 600
• Asian nuclear power
Q5. Which European country had 290 warheads in its military stockpile in 2025–26?
A. Germany
B. France
C. Italy
D. Spain
Answer: B. France
Explanation:
France had 290 nuclear warheads in its military stockpile.
It ranked fourth globally.
It is a major European nuclear power.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 370
• Rank: 4th
• NATO member
Q6. Which country had 225 nuclear warheads in 2025–26?
A. United Kingdom
B. India
C. Pakistan
D. Israel
Answer: A. United Kingdom
Explanation:
The UK had 225 warheads in its military stockpile.
It ranked fifth globally.
It maintains a smaller but strong deterrent.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 225
• Rank: 5th
• European nuclear state
Q7. How many nuclear warheads did India have in 2025–26?
A. 150
B. 170
C. 180
D. 200
Answer: C. 180
Explanation:
India had 180 warheads in its military stockpile.
It ranked sixth globally.
India is a nuclear-armed Asian nation.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 180
• Rank: 6th
• Close to Pakistan
Q8. Which country had 170 nuclear warheads in 2025–26?
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Israel
D. North Korea
Answer: B. Pakistan
Explanation:
Pakistan had 170 nuclear warheads.
It ranked seventh in global stockpile.
Its total inventory is close to India’s.
Information Booster:
• Rank: 7th
• Total inventory: 170
• South Asian nuclear power
Q9. Which country ranked eighth in nuclear stockpile in 2025–26?
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Israel
D. North Korea
Answer: C. Israel
Explanation:
Israel had 90 warheads in its stockpile.
It ranked eighth globally.
Its total inventory is also 90.
Information Booster:
• Rank: 8th
• Total inventory: 90
• Middle East region
Q10. Which country had the smallest nuclear stockpile among the top nine in 2025–26?
A. Pakistan
B. Israel
C. North Korea
D. India
Answer: C. North Korea
Explanation:
North Korea had 50 warheads.
It ranked ninth among nuclear powers.
It has the lowest stockpile in the top nine.
Information Booster:
• Rank: 9th
• Total inventory: 50
• Asian country
Q11. Approximately how many ready-to-use strategic nuclear weapons were there in 2025–26?
A. 2,812
B. 3,812
C. 4,812
D. 5,812
Answer: B. 3,812
Explanation:
Around 3,812 nuclear weapons were ready for use.
These are strategic deployed weapons.
They are part of the total 12,321 warheads.
Information Booster:
• Military stockpile: 9,614
• Total global: 12,321
• Data year: 2025
Q12. Russia and the United States together hold about what percentage of the world’s nuclear weapons in 2025–26?
A. 60%
B. 70%
C. 80%
D. 86%
Answer: D. 86%
Explanation:
Russia and the US together hold about 86% of global nuclear weapons.
They dominate the nuclear balance.
Both countries lead the ranking.
Information Booster:
• Russia Rank: 1st
• USA Rank: 2nd
• Major global powers
Q13. Which country ranked fourth in nuclear stockpile in 2025–26?
A. China
B. France
C. United Kingdom
D. India
Answer: B. France
Explanation:
France ranked fourth globally.
It had 290 military stockpile warheads.
It is a European nuclear state.
Information Booster:
• Total inventory: 370
• Rank: 4th
• NATO member
Q14. Which country ranked sixth in nuclear stockpile in 2025–26?
A. United Kingdom
B. India
C. Pakistan
D. Israel
Answer: B. India
Explanation:
India ranked sixth in global nuclear stockpile.
It had 180 warheads.
It is one of the Asian nuclear powers.
Information Booster:
• Rank: 6th
• Close to Pakistan’s total
• Total inventory: 180
Q15. Which organisation released the data on nuclear stockpiles in October 2025?
A. United Nations
B. NATO
C. Federation of American Scientists
D. World Bank
Answer: C. Federation of American Scientists
Explanation:
The Federation of American Scientists published the report.
The data was updated in October 2025.
It is called the Status of World Nuclear Forces report.
Information Booster:
• Report year: 2025
• Global total: 12,321
• Covers top 9 nuclear states
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