Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Scientists Warn of a New 'Nuclear Race' and Hidden Bombs
Imagine a game where countries have powerful bombs.
Right now, many countries have them, but the US and Russia have the most.
The problem is, these countries are hiding these bombs, making it harder to know where they are.
A new report says that the world is entering a dangerous time because countries are keeping their bombs secret and making more advanced ones.
Experts say it makes the world scarier, and that just having bombs doesn't guarantee safety or power.
A new report warns of a resurgence in the nuclear arms race.
As of early 2025, there are 12,241 nuclear warheads in existence.
Approximately 87% of the warheads are held by the US and Russia.
Many nations are modernizing and hiding their nuclear weapons.
Experts warn of increased global insecurity due to these trends.
- Who
- The report is from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).
- What
- Resurgence of the nuclear weapons race and the hiding and modernization of nuclear warheads.
- When
- As of early 2025.
- Where
- Globally, with specific mentions of the US, Russia, Europe, Belarus, Israel, China, and North Korea.
- Why
- Nations are modernizing, expanding, and hiding their nuclear weapons, increasing global insecurity.
Nuclear Deterrence
Nuclear Insecurity
Purpose of Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear Deterrence
Some believe nuclear weapons serve as instruments of deterrence, discouraging attacks.
Nuclear Insecurity
Experts argue that nuclear weapons are becoming instruments of fear and insecurity.
- Total Nuclear Warheads (Early 2025)
- 12,241
- Warheads in Active Military Stockpiles
- 9,600
- US & Russia Warhead Ownership
- 87%
- Report Source
- SIPRI and FAS
- American Warheads in Europe
- Reportedly stored under NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangement
- Israeli Nuclear Arsenal
- Estimated at around 90 weapons