China added more nuclear warheads than all other states combined
Military stockpile of nuclear warheads by state, January 2026, with January 2024 as markers. SIPRI estimates.
China's stockpile grew from 500 to 620 warheads between January 2024 and January 2026.
The other eight nuclear states' increases added up to less than half of China's.
China's arsenal grew fastest of all nine, ahead of North Korea (+20%) and India (+10%).
the numbers
| Change since 2024 | Stockpile 2026 | Jan 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | 20 | 4,400 | 4,380 |
| United States | -8 | 3,700 | 3,708 |
| China | 120 | 620 | 500 |
| France | 0 | 290 | 290 |
| United Kingdom | 0 | 225 | 225 |
| India | 18 | 190 | 172 |
| Pakistan | 0 | 170 | 170 |
| Israel | 0 | 90 | 90 |
| North Korea | 10 | 60 | 50 |
source notes & method
All values are SIPRI estimates; nine states do not publish full data. 2026 table from SIPRI's press release annex (WNF 2026 PR); 2024 from YB24 Table 7.1. Military stockpile excludes retired warheads awaiting dismantlement. Other states' increases (derived): Russia +20, India +18, North Korea +10; US −8; UK, France, Pakistan, Israel unchanged. Russia's rise is largely a reassessment of non-strategic warheads, not new production. North Korea figures are highly uncertain. SIPRI says China could pass 1,000 warheads by 2030 (Forecast, not charted).
Published 3 Nov 2026
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