Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record high of $91 billion in 2025, according to new studies, marking a sharp increase amid what experts describe as a new arms race. The United States accounted for the largest share, spending $51.5 billion, followed by China at $15.2 billion and Russia at $8.6 billion.
Unprecedented Growth in Nuclear Arsenals
The report, released by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), highlights that nine nuclear-armed states are modernizing their arsenals. This represents a 10% increase from the previous year and a 30% rise over the past five years.
Key Findings
- The United States leads in spending, focusing on life extension programs for the B61-12 bomb and new intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, with an estimated 600 warheads, up from 500 in 2024.
- Russia continues to invest in hypersonic delivery systems and submarine-launched missiles.
- Other nuclear states, including the UK, France, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea, are also increasing their budgets.
Geopolitical Tensions Fueling Growth
The studies attribute the surge to heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and rising competition in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and its allies have cited threats from China, Russia, and North Korea as justification for modernization programs.
“We are witnessing a new arms race, driven by mistrust and the desire for strategic advantage,” said Dr. Hans Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists. “This spending diverts resources from critical social and environmental needs.”
Disarmament Efforts Stalled
Despite international treaties like the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), disarmament efforts have stalled. The United States and Russia, which hold 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads, have engaged in limited arms control talks but have not made significant progress.
“The record spending sends a dangerous message that nuclear weapons are acceptable tools of statecraft,” said Beatrice Fihn, executive director of ICAN. “We call on all nations to join the TPNW and commit to disarmament.”
Environmental and Economic Costs
The studies also highlight the environmental and economic costs of nuclear weapons programs. Production and testing have contaminated land and water, while the opportunity cost of spending billions on weapons instead of climate change mitigation or healthcare is immense.
“Every dollar spent on nuclear weapons is a dollar not spent on feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, or treating the sick,” said Fihn.
Public Opposition
Public opinion polls show growing opposition to nuclear weapons, with 70% of respondents in a recent survey favoring a global ban. However, governments remain committed to their nuclear arsenals, citing security concerns.
“The arms race is not inevitable,” said Kristensen. “It requires political will to reverse course and prioritize human security over military might.”
