Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Defence
Why in News?
Recently, SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Report 2026 stated that India has deployed 12 nuclear warheads, for the 1st time.
- Stockpile – Estimated at 190 warheads (Jan 2026), up from 180 in 2025.
- Policy Shift – India earlier kept warheads and launchers separate in peacetime, now by deploying them on an SSBN – Deterrence patrol, it signals higher readiness.
Deterrence Patrol – An SSBN sails secretly with nuclear weapons onboard, ensuring second strike capability so India can retaliate from sea even if attacked.
- Recessed Deterrent Policy – (De-mated Posture) – Nuclear warheads and delivery systems kept separate in peacetime to prevent accidental use.
- India’s Nuclear Policy – It is guided by the 2003 doctrine, based on No First Use (NFU) and Credible Minimum Deterrence.
Credible Minimum Deterrence – A nuclear doctrine where a nation keeps a (limited but survivable arsenal) of nuclear weapons.
- In case of a nuclear strike on India, the doctrine mandates a massive retaliatory response to inflict unacceptable damage on the adversary.
- Nuclear Triad – 5 are officially recognized as possessing a nuclear triad: the United States, Russia, China, India, and Pakistan.
Triad – Military capability to deliver atomic weapons via 3 distinct methods Aircraft, land‑based missiles, and SSBNs (sea‑based deterrence).
References
- Indian express | Nuclear Deployment
- NDTV | Nuclear Deployment
