Ever since the end of the Cold War, the world's nuclear arsenals have dwindled.

But that trend is probably broken now, Sipri states in the new report.

- This is a significant new trend, which all countries should see as a warning: we must really beware of returning to some kind of arms race between nuclear powers, says Sipri's researcher Hans M. Kristensen in Washington.

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of warheads in military nuclear stockpiles increased by about 300.

These are nuclear weapons deployed in operational units and in military depots.

Russia accounts for almost two-thirds of the increase - 180 warheads.

The increase has taken place mainly through the deployment of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and submarine-based ballistic missiles (SLBM).

About 2,000 nuclear weapons in the world, most of which are Russian and American, are on high alert, Sipri states.

The risk of war increases

The other seven nuclear weapon states are also developing or deploying new weapon systems or have announced that they will do so.

The probability that any state uses nuclear weapons in war has increased, assesses Sipri's nuclear weapons expert.

- We believe that the risk, the probability increases.

We see that countries are not only expanding their weapons arsenal, but when they modernize their forces, they also place greater focus on nuclear weapons in their military strategy.

Britain's strategic submarines carry the country's nuclear weapons.

Photo: Crown Copyright

The British raise the ceiling

In March 2021, the United Kingdom published a review of its security policy and changed the previous policy to reduce the country's nuclear arsenal.

The UK instead raised the planned ceiling for nuclear weapons from 180 to a maximum of 260, which SVT reported.

China is in the midst of a significant modernization and expansion of its nuclear weapons stockpiles.

India and Pakistan also appear to be expanding their nuclear arsenals.

Summit led to armaments

North Korea continues to develop its military nuclear program despite two historic disarmament summits with the United States under Donald Trump.

- All this shows that the way is being paved for the potential use of nuclear weapons.

But Hans M. Kristensen emphasizes:

- The situation is not as tense at all as during the Cold War.

It is important to remember.

Here you can explore the world's nuclear arsenals.