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Estimated nuclear warhead inventories, 2026

Russia’s estimated 2026 nuclear inventory was 5,420 warheads, compared with 5,042 for the United States.

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What the data shows

  • 2026: 5,420 at 🇷🇺 Russia, 60 at 🇰🇵 North Korea (99% lower).

About this chart

Russia’s estimated nuclear inventory was 5,420 warheads in 2026, compared with 5,042 for the United States. China followed at 620 and France at 370. These totals combine deployed warheads, reserve warheads and retired warheads awaiting dismantlement, so they are larger than the number of weapons deployed for operational use. They require careful interpretation.

The figures are estimates from the Federation of American Scientists, distributed by Our World in Data. Nuclear inventories are not fully transparent, and a single total does not describe delivery systems, readiness or deployment. Retired warheads remain in this inventory definition until they are dismantled rather than disappearing when removed from service.

The data

Source: Federation of American Scientists via Our World in Data. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Estimated total inventory: deployed strategic and nonstrategic, reserve/nondeployed, and retired warheads awaiting dismantlement. This is not the number deployed or ready for use.

Estimated nuclear warhead inventories, Estimated warheads, including retired inventories, 2026, 🇷🇺 Russia–🇰🇵 North Korea
Date2026
🇷🇺 Russia5,420
🇺🇸 United States5,042
🇨🇳 China620
🇫🇷 France370
🇬🇧 United Kingdom225
🇮🇳 India178
🇵🇰 Pakistan170
🇮🇱 Israel90
🇰🇵 North Korea60

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Frequently asked questions

Which country has the most nuclear warheads?

Russia had the largest estimated total inventory in 2026, at 5,420 warheads, including retired warheads awaiting dismantlement.

Does the total mean deployed nuclear weapons?

No. It combines deployed strategic and nonstrategic warheads, reserve or nondeployed warheads, and retired warheads awaiting dismantlement.

Where does this data come from?

Federation of American Scientists via Our World in Data. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Estimated total inventory: deployed strategic and nonstrategic, reserve/nondeployed, and retired warheads awaiting dismantlement. This is not the number deployed or ready for use. You can download the full table as a CSV from this page.

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