Prelims: Current events of National Importance
Why in new?
Recently the SIRPI Yearbook was release which is a comprehensive resource on world armaments and global security.
- SIPRI – Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Established – 19b66
- Headquarters – Stockholm, Sweden
- It provides data, analysis, and recommendations on armed conflict, military expenditure, arms trade, disarmament, and nuclear forces.
Key Global Findings (2025 Yearbook)
- Global Nuclear Arsenal – Total global nuclear warheads is approximately 12,121 (including retired stock).
- Countries with nuclear weapons – 9 countries (USA, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea).
- Russia & USA hold over 90% of global nuclear weapons.
- Russia - 5,459 warheads
- USA - 5,177 warheads
- Deployment trends – Many countries are modernising their nuclear arsenals.
- Dual-capable missiles (conventional + nuclear) being developed or upgraded by Russia, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea.
- MIRV Capability – MIRV means Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles that allows a missile to carry several warheads.
- It is already deployed by USA, Russia, UK, France, China
- It is in development in India, Pakistan, North Korea.
India-Specific findings
- Nuclear warhead count – India has 180 nuclear warheads (as of January 2025)
- Pakistan - 170
- China - 600
- Expansion & modernisation – India slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2024.
- It continued to focus on developing new types of nuclear delivery systems.
- Canisterised missiles – India is developing canister-based missiles which,
- Allow quick deployment.
- Likely to carry multiple warheads in the future.
- May shift India toward peacetime warhead-missile mating.
- Mature nuclear triad – India possesses a nuclear triad,
- Air-based – Fighter aircraft
- Land-based – Ballistic missiles
- Sea-based – Nuclear submarines (SSBNs)
- Strategic posture – India’s nuclear policy primarily aimed at Pakistan, but growing emphasis on long-range deterrence against China.
- Increase in submarine patrols and operational readiness.
- India is increasingly seen as a responsible nuclear power, yet rapidly adapting to a changing threat environment.
Reference
The Indian Express| SIPRI report
