Archive · 11 Sep 2026
FAS Estimates India’s Nuclear Arsenal At 190 Warheads
A US research group estimates that India has about 190 nuclear warheads.
More than 160 may be ready for use on missiles and aircraft.
The rest are connected to newer delivery systems still being built or tested.
Researchers used public information, satellite pictures and estimates of India’s plutonium supplies.
They say the exact number is uncertain because some plutonium may be stored rather than used in weapons.
India can deliver nuclear weapons by land, sea and air.
Its submarines are designed to help the country respond even after an attack.
India says it will not use nuclear weapons first in a conflict.
Researchers expect the stockpile to grow as new missiles and submarines enter service.
The Federation of American Scientists estimates that India has produced about 190 nuclear warheads, including more than 160 assigned to operational launchers.
The estimate is based on open-source reporting, official data hints, satellite imagery and India’s estimated plutonium stockpile.
India’s nuclear forces include land-based missiles, ballistic-missile submarines and nuclear-capable aircraft.
FAS says India’s Mirage 2000H and Jaguar IS fighters remain associated with nuclear strike missions, while newer aircraft and support facilities are being developed.
India continues to officially state that it follows credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use nuclear policy, although FAS expects the arsenal to grow.
- Who
- India and the Federation of American Scientists, whose researchers assessed India’s nuclear forces.
- What
- FAS estimates that India may have produced approximately 190 nuclear warheads and is expanding its nuclear delivery systems.
- When
- The assessment was published in September 2026, using stockpile information available through early 2026.
- Where
- India’s nuclear forces are based on land, at sea aboard ballistic-missile submarines and in aircraft units.
- Why
- India says its arsenal is intended to maintain credible minimum deterrence and enable retaliation after a nuclear attack.
- Estimated warheads
- About 190, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
- Operationally assigned warheads
- More than 160 are estimated to be assigned to existing missiles and aircraft.
- Estimated plutonium stockpile
- Approximately 730 kilograms, with an uncertainty range of plus or minus 170 kilograms.
- Plutonium-based warhead range
- FAS estimates the material could theoretically support about 140 to 225 warheads.
- Nuclear delivery systems
- India operates nine nuclear-capable systems: two aircraft types, six land-based ballistic missiles and one sea-based ballistic missile.
- Declared doctrine
- India has reaffirmed credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use policy.
- Regional comparison
- FAS-based estimates place India at about 190 warheads, compared with approximately 170 for Pakistan and 225 for the United Kingdom.