US, June 09 : The United States has led a sharp global increase in nuclear weapons spending, according to a report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The analysis found that total spending by the world’s nine nuclear armed countries rose by 19% in 2025, reaching $119 billion the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2020.
The US accounted for $69.2 billion of this total, marking a 22% rise from the previous year and exceeding the combined spending of all other nuclear powers. China followed with $13.5 billion, reflecting a 7% increase, while the United Kingdom surpassed Russia to rank third at $12.6 billion after a 17% rise. Russia’s expenditure stood at $9.5 billion, up 6%.
The report covers nine nuclear-armed states: the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. Collectively, they increased investments in nuclear modernization, adding nearly $17 billion more than in 2024.
Despite long-term reductions in total warhead stockpiles, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted that operational nuclear weapons are rising, even as dismantlement slows and modernization accelerates. Global stockpiles are estimated at 12,187 warheads, with about 9,745 available for potential use.
ICAN further warned that ongoing modernization programmes signal decades of sustained expenditure. The US alone is projected to spend close to $1 trillion on nuclear systems between 2025 and 2034, including development of next-generation intercontinental ballistic missiles and expanded plutonium pit production, with some systems expected to remain operational well beyond the next century.