These are the countries with nuclear weapons and their range capabilities

The Ukrainian army carried out its first attack with US-made ATACMS missiles on Russian territory. The target of the attack was a military infrastructure located in the city of Karachevin the Russian region of Kursk, bordering Ukraine. According to Ukrainian military sources, the attack was successful and managed to hit the designated target. This development comes shortly after several US media outlets reported that Washington had authorized kyiv to use ATACMS missiles against military targets in Russia.

The Kursk region, partially occupied by Ukrainian forces, has been a point of constant tension. US authorization for Ukraine’s use of ATACMS missiles could further escalate the conflict as Russia has warned that it will consider any Western missile attack on its territory as NATO’s entry into the war.

In this context, the SIPRI Yearbook 2024 study becomes relevant, according to which there are currently nine countries that possess nuclear weapons: United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. These countries not only maintain significant arsenals, but also continue to develop and modernize their nuclear capabilities.

The United States and Russia have the largest nuclear arsenals in the world, accounting for almost 90%. Both countries have reduced their arsenals since the end of the Cold War, but still maintain thousands of nuclear warheads. The range capability of its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) allows them to hit targets anywhere in the world. Additionally, both countries are investing in modernizing their nuclear forces, including developing new missile systems and improving their command and control capabilities.

According to the study, in January 2024, The global inventory of nuclear warheads was estimated at approximately 12,121, of which around 9,585 were in military arsenals ready for potential use. Of these, approximately 3,904 warheads were deployed with missiles and aircraft, representing an increase of 60 warheads compared to January 2023. The majority of these deployed warheads belong to Russia and the United States, with around 2,100 on high alert status. operational in ballistic missiles.

Europe: United Kingdom and France

He The United Kingdom and France are the two European countries with nuclear weapons. Both maintain smaller arsenals compared to the United States and Russia, but their capabilities remain extensive. The United Kingdom operates submarines with Trident missiles, while France has a diversified nuclear force that includes submarine-launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable fighter aircraft.

The United Kingdom has adopted a policy of minimum deterrence, maintaining a reduced number of nuclear submarines on continuous patrol. France, for its part, has developed a deterrence doctrine that combines rapid response capability with operational flexibility, ensuring that its nuclear forces can adapt to different threat scenarios.

Asia: China, India and Pakistan

China has been expanding and modernizing its nuclear arsenal, with a focus on developing long-range ballistic missiles and mobile launch systems. In January 2024, China joined the United States and Russia in having some of its warheads on high operational alert. This development underscores China’s growing importance in the global nuclear balance.

India and Pakistanfor their part, continue with their nuclear programs in a context of regional rivalry. Both countries have developed short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, and are working to improve their submarine-launching capabilities.

Israel and North Korea

Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, without officially confirming or denying its possession of nuclear weapons, although it is estimated that it has a significant arsenal. This policy of ambiguity allows Israel to maintain strategic deterrence without provoking an open arms race in the region.

North Koreaon the other hand, has made several nuclear and ballistic missile tests, demonstrating its ability to hit targets in the region and potentially beyond. As of January 2024, North Korea continued to develop its nuclear capabilities despite international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Its nuclear program remains a source of instability in Northeast Asia and a significant concern for the international community.