Archive · 11 Sep 2026
US Think Tank Estimates India Has 190 Nuclear Warheads
A US research group estimates that India may have about 190 nuclear warheads.
More than 160 may be connected to launch systems that are already operating.
About 30 more are linked to missiles that are still being made.
The researchers used public information, government data and satellite images.
They also estimated that India has produced about 730 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium.
That amount could theoretically make between 140 and 225 warheads.
The estimate is uncertain because researchers do not know all of India’s warhead designs.
Some plutonium may also be kept in reserve instead of being used in warheads.
India says it follows a no-first-use policy, meaning it says it would not use nuclear weapons first.
The Federation of American Scientists estimates that India may have assembled around 190 nuclear warheads.
More than 160 warheads are linked to operational launchers, while about 30 are associated with missiles under production.
India is developing and fielding nuclear-capable systems for aircraft, land-based launchers and sea-based platforms.
India may have produced about 730 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium, theoretically enough for 140 to 225 warheads.
India says it maintains credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use policy, while FAS cautions that its estimates involve significant uncertainties.
- Who
- The Federation of American Scientists, including Nuclear Information Project Director Hans Kristensen, produced the estimate; the Indian government stated its nuclear policy.
- What
- A report estimates that India may have assembled around 190 nuclear warheads and is continuing to modernise its nuclear forces.
- When
- The report assesses India’s capabilities as of the beginning of 2026 and was published on a Wednesday, though the articles do not provide an exact date.
- Where
- The report concerns India’s nuclear arsenal and was reported from Washington.
- Why
- FAS based its estimate on open-source information, state-originating data, commercial satellite imagery and assessments of nuclear-capable delivery systems.
FAS Assessment
India’s Stated Position
Size and future of the arsenal
FAS Assessment
FAS estimates that India may have assembled around 190 warheads, with the stockpile potentially increasing as more weapon systems are developed.
India’s Stated Position
The articles report India’s official policy but do not provide a government estimate of the warhead total or confirm FAS’s calculation.
Nuclear posture
FAS Assessment
FAS assesses India’s capabilities through its delivery systems, strategy and available public information.
India’s Stated Position
India says it is committed to credible minimum deterrence and a posture of no first use of nuclear weapons.
Plutonium estimate
FAS Assessment
FAS cites an estimate of about 730 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium, theoretically sufficient for 140 to 225 warheads, while noting major uncertainties and possible reserves.
India’s Stated Position
No Indian government response to the plutonium estimate is provided in the articles.
- Estimated stockpile
- Around 190 nuclear warheads
- Operational warheads
- More than 160 warheads are estimated to support operational launchers
- Warheads for new missiles
- About 30 additional warheads are associated with missiles under production
- Estimated plutonium
- Approximately 730 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium, with an uncertainty of about plus or minus 170 kilograms
- Theoretical warhead capacity
- Between 140 and 225 warheads, assuming approximately four kilograms of plutonium per warhead
- Nuclear doctrine
- India says it maintains credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use policy
- Key uncertainties
- The estimate depends on warhead designs, possible plutonium reserves, and the number and types of launchers
Sources
US Think Tank Estimates India's Nuclear Warhead Count At 190
India's nuclear arsenal estimated at 190 warheads: US report
India's Nuclear Arsenal Estimated at 190 Warheads: Report
India's Nuclear Arsenal Estimated At 190 Warheads: Report
