Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Report Details India’s Expanding Nuclear Delivery Capabilities
A new report looks at how India could deliver nuclear weapons.
It estimates that India may have as many as 190 nuclear warheads, but says the exact number and capabilities are not publicly known.
The report describes three ways India could deliver them: aircraft, missiles on land, and missiles launched from submarines.
It lists six ballistic missile systems as operational and says another is close to full deployment.
The Agni V is among the longest-range missiles discussed.
The report also says it has shown technology that could let it carry several warheads toward different targets.
India says it would not start a nuclear war, but wants to be able to respond if attacked.
The report says submarines help keep that possible because they can remain hidden at sea.
A Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists assessment estimates India may have assembled up to 190 nuclear warheads, while noting that secrecy limits independent estimates.
The report describes India’s nuclear forces as an operational triad of aircraft, land-based missiles and submarine-based systems.
It identifies six operational nuclear-capable ballistic missile systems, from Prithvi II through Agni V, and says Agni Prime is nearing full operational deployment.
The report says Agni V has demonstrated multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle technology and can be deployed farther from vulnerable borders.
India maintains a stated no-first-use policy, while developing systems intended to preserve its ability to retaliate after a nuclear attack.
- Who
- India; the assessment was authored by Hans M. Kristensen, Matt Korda, Eliana Johns and Mackenzie Knight-Boyle.
- What
- A Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists assessment describes India’s nuclear arsenal and its aircraft, missile and submarine delivery systems.
- When
- The article does not give a publication date for the assessment.
- Where
- India and the regions potentially within reach of its delivery systems.
- Why
- The report assesses the development of India’s nuclear forces and its ability to maintain a retaliatory capability.
- Estimated warheads
- The assessment estimates India may have assembled up to 190 nuclear warheads.
- Delivery structure
- Aircraft, land-based missiles and submarine-based systems.
- Operational ballistic missile systems
- Prithvi II, Agni I, Agni II, Agni III, Agni IV and Agni V.
- Agni Prime
- The report says it is nearing full operational deployment.
- Agni V range estimate
- The article cites a publicly estimated range of less than 6,000 km.
- Nuclear doctrine
- India maintains a long-standing no-first-use policy, according to the report.
- Assessment source
- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.