A recent report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) highlights that global spending on nuclear weapons continues to rise sharply, with nine nuclear-armed countries collectively spending around $119 billion in 2025 on maintenance, modernization, and expansion.

Total global spending

• Total nuclear weapons spending (2025): $119 billion
• Focus areas: modernization, maintenance, warhead upgrades, delivery systems

Country-wise nuclear spending (2025)

Here’s how much major nuclear powers are reportedly spending:

• United States: $69.2 billion
• China: $13.5 billion
• United Kingdom: $12.6 billion
• Russia: $9 billion
• France: (part of global estimate, multi-billion range)
• India: $2.8 billion
• Pakistan: $1.5 billion
• North Korea: $656 million
• Israel: smaller but increasing investment (estimated below $1 billion range in reports)

Nuclear stockpile comparison (SIPRI estimates)

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):

• Russia: ~5,500 warheads
• United States: ~5,300 warheads
• China: ~620 warheads
• India: ~190 warheads
• Pakistan: ~170 warheads

Total global nuclear weapons: ~12,187

Key trends

1. US remains the biggest spender

The United States continues to dominate global nuclear spending, accounting for more than half of worldwide expenditure.

2. Asia’s rapid buildup

• China is expanding its arsenal quickly
• India and Pakistan continue gradual modernization

3. Europe also increasing spending

• UK and France are upgrading their nuclear systems amid global tensions

Global non-proliferation efforts

At the same time, 99 countries have signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), calling for complete elimination of nuclear arms globally. However, none of the major nuclear powers are part of it.

Conclusion

The data shows a widening gap between countries expanding nuclear capabilities and those pushing for disarmament. While spending is highest in the United States and China, even smaller nuclear powers like India and Pakistan are steadily increasing investments in modernization, reflecting growing global security tensions.