Number of nuclear weapons by country. Countries with the largest nuclear arsenals
Nuclear (or atomic) weapons refer to the entire nuclear arsenal, its means of transportation and control hardware. Nuclear weapons are classified as weapons for mass destruction.
The principle of the explosive action of the rusty death weapon is based on the use of the properties of nuclear energy, which is released due to nuclear or thermonuclear reactions.
Types of nuclear weapons
Everything that exists in the world nuclear weapon is divided into two types:
- atomic: explosive device single-phase type, in which energy is released during the fission of heavy plutonium or 235 uranium nuclei;
- thermonuclear (hydrogen): two-phase explosive device. In the first phase of action, the release of energy occurs due to the fission of heavy nuclei; in the second phase of action, the thermonuclear fusion phase is connected to the fission reaction. The proportional composition of reactions determines the type of weapon.
History of origin
The year 1889 was marked in the world of science by the discovery married couple Curie: in uranium they discovered a new substance that released a large number of energy.
In subsequent years, E. Rutherford studied the basic properties of the atom, E. Walton and his colleague D. Cockcroft were the first in the world to split the atomic nucleus.
Thus, in 1934, scientist Leo Szilard registered a patent for the atomic bomb, starting a wave of mass destruction throughout the world.
The reason for the creation of atomic weapons is simple: world domination, intimidation and destruction of enemies. During World War II, development and Scientific research fought in Germany, the Soviet Union and the United States: the three largest and most powerful countries taking part in the war sought to achieve victory at any cost. And if during the Second World War these weapons did not become key factor victory, it was later used more than once in other wars.
Countries that own nuclear weapons
The group of countries that currently possess nuclear weapons are conventionally called the “Nuclear Club”. Here is the list of club members:
- Legitimate in the international legal field
- USA;
- Russia (which acquired the weapons of the USSR after the collapse of the great power);
- France;
- Great Britain;
- China.
- Illegitimate
- India;
- North Korea;
- Pakistan.
Officially, Israel does not have nuclear weapons, however world society tends to think that Israel has weapons of its own design.
But this list is not complete. Many countries around the world have had nuclear programs, abandoned them later, or are currently working on them. Other powers, such as the United States, supply such weapons to some countries. The exact number of weapons in the world is not taken into account; approximately 20,500 are dispersed throughout the world nuclear warheads.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed in 1968, and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1986. But not all countries have signed and ratified these documents (legally legitimized). So the threat to the world still exists.
Strange as it may sound, today nuclear weapons are a guarantee of peace, a deterrent that protects against attack, which is why many countries are so eager to acquire them.
USA
The bulk of the US nuclear arsenal consists of ballistic missiles located on submarines.
Today the United States has 1,654 warheads. The United States is armed with bombs, warheads, and shells for use in aviation, submarines, and artillery.
After the end of World War II, the United States produced more than 66 thousand bombs and warheads; in 1997, the production of new nuclear weapons was completely stopped.
In 2010, the United States had more than 5,000 weapons in its arsenal, but by 2013 their number had decreased to 1,654 as part of a program to reduce the country's nuclear capabilities. As the unofficial leader of the world, the United States has the status of an old-timer and, according to the 1968 treaty, is one of the 5 countries that legally possess nuclear weapons.
Russian Federation
Today, Russia has 1,480 warheads and 367 nuclear delivery vehicles at its disposal.
The country owns ammunition intended for use in missile forces, marine strategic forces and in the strategic aviation forces.
Over the past 10 years, Russia's ammunition stockpile has decreased significantly (up to 12% per year) thanks to the signing of a mutual disarmament treaty: by the end of 2012, reduce the number of weapons by two-thirds.
Today Russia is one of the oldest members of the 1968 nuclear weapons treaty (as the sole successor of the USSR), possessing them legally. However, modern political and economic situation in the world, the country opposes the United States and European countries; the presence of such a dangerous arsenal allows one to largely defend an independent position in geopolitical issues.
France
Today, France is armed with about 300 strategic warheads for use on submarines, as well as about 60 tactical multiprocessors for airborne deployment. France for a long time sought independence in matters own weapons : developed her own supercomputer, conducted nuclear tests
up to 1998. After this, nuclear weapons were not developed or tested in France.
Great Britain The UK has 225 nuclear warheads, of which more than 160 are operational and carried on submarines. Data on the armament of the British Army is practically absent due to one of the principles military policy countries: do not disclose the exact quantity and quality of the weapons presented in the arsenal. Great Britain does not seek to increase its nuclear stockpile.
, but will not reduce it: there is a policy of restraining allied and neutral states from using
lethal weapons China US scientists estimate that China has about 240 warheads, but official figures say China has about 40. intercontinental missiles located in
artillery troops
and on submarines, as well as about 1,000 short-range missiles. The Chinese government has not disclosed precise details of the country's arsenal, saying the number of nuclear weapons will be kept at minimum safe levels. In addition, China declares that it cannot be the first to use weapons, and also that in relation to non-nuclear countries it will not be used. To such statements
global community
is positive. India According to the international community, India possesses nuclear weapons unofficially. It has thermonuclear and nuclear warheads. Today, India has about 30 nuclear warheads and enough material to make 90 more bombs. Also, there are missiles with short range, medium-range ballistic missiles, extended-range missiles. Possessing atomic weapons illegal, India makes no official statements regarding its policy on issues
nuclear weapons
Pakistan, according to unofficial data, has up to 200 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. There is no exact information about the type of weapon. The public reaction to this country's nuclear weapons tests was as harsh as possible: almost all major countries in the world imposed economic sanctions on Pakistan, except Saudi Arabia, which supplied the country with an average of 50 thousand barrels of oil daily.
North Korea
Officially, North Korea is a country with nuclear weapons: the country amended its Constitution in 2012. The country is armed with single-stage missiles medium range, rocket mobile complex"Musudan." International community reacted extremely negatively to the fact of creating and testing weapons: long six-party negotiations continue to this day, and an economic embargo has been imposed on the country. But the DPRK is in no hurry to abandon the creation of means of ensuring its own security.
Arms control
Nuclear weapons are one of the most terrible ways to destroy the population and economy of warring countries, a weapon that destroys everything in its path.
Understanding and realizing the dangers of having such means of destruction, the authorities of many countries (especially the five leaders of the “Nuclear Club”) are taking various measures to reduce the number of these weapons and guarantee their non-use.
Thus, the United States and Russia voluntarily reduced the number of nuclear weapons.
All modern warfare are fought for the right to control and use energy resources. This is where they are.
Ukraine, which was once the third largest country in the world in terms of its number, voluntarily gave up its weapons in exchange for a guarantee of immunity. But in 2014, Ukraine expressed a desire to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Arms and create its own nuclear potential.
“Unfortunately, in modern world, it is impossible to guess from which side danger may await us.” Yes, no, war is a costly thing, in the modern world there is no benefit for anyone. Only Dictators can start a war, for example, the Supreme Leader of the DPRK (North Korea) Kim Jong-un
In addition to the nuclear club countries, US nuclear weapons are located on the territory of NATO countries (the Netherlands, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Canada, Belgium). Expert opinion is unanimous that, under certain circumstances, these countries can use it. Let’s not forget about Iran, which is accused of creating an independent nuclear energy, has come very close to possessing nuclear weapons. Although, on this moment Iran denies this. Unfortunately, in the modern world, it is impossible to guess from which side danger may await us.
Today, nuclear weapons are thousands of times more powerful than the two infamous atomic bombs that destroyed the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. Since that bombing, the nuclear arms race various countries moved into a different phase, and under the pretext nuclear deterrence never stopped again.
Iran
- Status: Charged with unofficial possession.
- First test: never.
- Final test: never.
- Arsenal size: 2,400 kilograms of low-enriched uranium.
Top U.S. military officials unanimously say Iran can produce at least one nuclear weapon every year, and it would take more time to develop a modern, operational atomic bomb he needs a maximum of five years.
Currently, the West regularly accuses Tehran of developing nuclear weapons, which is just as regularly denied by the Iranian leadership. By official position the latter, nuclear program state has exclusively peaceful purposes and is being developed for the energy needs of enterprises and medical reactors.
After international verification in the sixties, Iran had to abandon its nuclear program (1979). However, according to secret Pentagon documents, it was resumed in the mid-nineties. For this reason, on Asian state UN sanctions were imposed, the introduction of which should stop the development of Iran’s nuclear program, threatening the world in the region, Iran is nevertheless a nuclear power.
Israel
- Status: not official.
- First test: possibly 1979.
- Last test: possibly 1979.
- Arsenal size: up to 400 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Signed.
Israel is considered a country that not only possesses full-fledged nuclear weapons, but is also capable of delivering them to various points through intercontinental ballistic missiles, aviation or navy. The state began its research in nuclear area shortly after its founding. The first reactor was built in 1950, and the first nuclear weapon in the sixties.
At present, Israel does not seek to maintain its reputation as a nuclear power, but many European countries, including France and the UK, are actively promoting Israel in this industry. You should know that information has been leaked that the Israelis have created mini nuclear bombs that are small enough to be installed in a suitcase. They were also reported to possess an unknown number of bomb neutrons.
- Status: official.
- First test: 2006.
- Last test: 2009.
- Arsenal size: less than 10 units.
In addition to possessing a significant arsenal of modern chemical weapons, North Korea is a full-fledged nuclear power. Currently, the state of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has a pair of operating nuclear reactors.
To date, North Korea has two successful nuclear tests, which were confirmed by international experts based on the results of surveys and monitoring of seismic activity in the test areas.
- Status: official.
- First test: May 28, 1998.
- Last test: May 30, 1998.
- Arsenal size: from 70 to 90 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): not signed.
Pakistan resumed its previously interrupted nuclear program in response to India's Buddha Smile test. The official statement from the authorities contains the following words: “If India creates an atomic bomb, we will eat grass and leaves for a thousand years, or even starve, but we will get similar weapons. Christians, Jews and now Hindus have the bomb. Why don't Muslims allow themselves to do this? ". This phrase belongs to the Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto after the tests in India.
Let us recall that Pakistan’s nuclear program was born back in 1956, but was frozen by order of President Ayub Khan. Nuclear engineers tried to prove that the nuclear program was vital, but the country's president said that if real threat Pakistan will be able to acquire ready-made nuclear weapons.
The Pakistan Air Force has two units operating the Nanchang A-5C (No. 16 and No. 26 Squadrons), which are excellent for delivering nuclear warheads. Pakistan ranks seventh in our ranking of nuclear powers in the world.
India
- Status: official.
- First test: 1974.
- Last test: 1998.
- Arsenal size: less than 40 to 95 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): not signed.
India has an impressive number of nuclear weapons and is also capable of delivering them to their destination using aircraft And surface ships. In addition, its nuclear missile submarines are in the final stages of development.
India's first nuclear test was original name"Smiling Buddha" as if this nuclear explosion pursued exclusively peaceful goals. The world community reacted to such actions after the 1998 tests. Economic sanctions The US, Japan and their Western allies introduced it against India.
- Status: official.
- First test: 1964.
- Last test: 1996.
- Arsenal size: about 240 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Signed.
Almost immediately after testing the first atomic bomb, China tested its hydrogen bomb. These events occurred in 1964 and 1967, respectively. On this moment Chinese People's Republic has 180 active nuclear warheads and is considered one of the most powerful world powers.
China is the only state with nuclear arsenal, which gave security guarantees to all countries that do not have such technologies. The official part of the document reads: “China undertakes not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones, regardless of time and under any circumstances.”
- Status: official.
- First test: 1960.
- Last test: 1995.
- Arsenal size: at least 300 units.
France is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is known to possess weapons mass destruction. Developments in in this direction in the Fifth Republic began after the end of World War II, but it was only possible to create an atomic bomb in 1958. Tests in 1960 made it possible to verify the functionality of the weapon.
To date, France has carried out more than two hundred nuclear tests, and its potential puts the country in fourth place in world ranking of nuclear powers.
- Status: official.
- First test: 1952.
- Last test: 1991.
- Arsenal size: more than 225 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Ratified.
The United Kingdom Great Britain ratified the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty back in 1968. The United States and the United Kingdom cooperate closely and mutually beneficially on issues nuclear safety, starting with the signing of the 1958 Mutual Defense Treaty.
In addition, these two countries (USA and UK) are also actively exchanging various classified information received by state intelligence services.
- Status: official.
- First test: 1949.
- Last test: 1990.
- Arsenal size: 2,825 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Ratified.
The Soviet Union was the second country to detonate a nuclear bomb (1949). From that moment until 1990, Russia carried out at least 715 nuclear tests involving testing of 970 different devices. Russia is one of the most powerful nuclear powers in the world. The first nuclear explosion, with a yield of 22 kilotons, received given name"Joe-1."
The Tsar Bomba is by far the heaviest atomic weapon of all time. It was tested in 1967, detonating at a whopping 57,000 kilotons. This charge was originally designed at 100,000 kilotons, but was reduced to 57,000 kilotons due to high probability excessive amounts of radioactive fallout.
USA
- Status: official.
- First test: 1945.
- Last test: 1992.
- Arsenal size: 5,113 units.
- Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Signed.
In total, the United States has conducted more than 1,050 nuclear tests and occupies a leading place in our top ten nuclear world powers. At the same time, the state has missiles with a nuclear warhead delivery range of up to 13,000 kilometers. The first test of the Trinity atomic bomb was carried out in 1945. This was the first explosion of this kind in world history, which demonstrated to humanity new type threats.
One of the greatest luminaries of the scientific world, Albert Einstein, approached President Franklin Roosevelt with a proposal to create an atomic bomb. So the creator unwittingly became the destroyer.
Today, according to the nuclear program North America More than twenty secret facilities operate. It is curious that during tests in the United States, there were many incidents with nuclear weapons, which, fortunately, did not lead to irreparable consequences. Examples include incidents near Atlantic City, New Jersey (1957), Thule Air Force Base, Greenland (1968), Savannah, Georgia (1958), at sea near Palomares, Spain (1966), off the coast of Okinawa, Japan (1965), etc.
Confrontation between the two most powerful nuclear powers in the world, Russia and the USA: video
We, of course, live in Peaceful time, but still some things that are not so peaceful take place.
After all, every country, no matter what pacifist worldview its leaders may have, must take care of the safety of its citizens. And this is done, among other things, thanks to worthy confrontation with other countries.
Of course, there are many methods of confrontation, but it is still very important not to use weapons, but at least to let them know that they are available - then there will be no need to “quarrel”.
That's why countries are trying to arm themselves. And arming your people in this context is not very effective - that’s why they resort to nuclear weapons. And now it is already capable of inspiring shock and awe in anyone. That is why its presence is so valued among countries.
But which countries are especially successful in this? There are several of the most protected leaders who have an impressive nuclear reserve. The most powerful nuclear countries in the world included in our top 10 are such that it is better not to argue with them, because in this case it will obviously not be worse for them. This is such a force - nuclear weapons. Destructive and very impressive.
10. Canada
Although Canada has not yet made any announcements about nuclear capabilities, this does not mean that it does not have them. It’s just that, as it is believed, the country’s potential, although great, is not enough for it to become a full-scale nuclear power.
But when it comes to nuclear weapons trade, Canada is at a very low level. high level, occupying significant positions in this area.
9. Israel
Israel also has not officially declared itself a nuclear country, but this also does not mean that it is not one; on the contrary, many believe that its nuclear potential is very considerable.
Of course, it is impossible to evaluate everything with sufficient accuracy, but rough estimates provide from eighty to two hundred warheads, which, in principle, is a sufficiently significant amount so that in the event of a threat, the country can counter something to its potential enemy.
8. North Korea
When we think about nuclear weapons, the first thing we often think about is North Korea. This is evidenced by the various loud statements that have been made by this country over the years.
Initially, the country was part of the NPT, but then declared that it was a nuclear power. All the same, the country is a relative newcomer in this area, and it is unknown how many warheads it currently has, but this number is probably measured in the dozens.
7. Pakistan
If we talk about military power, then few countries in the world can, in principle, compare with Pakistan. When he was exposed to Indian influence, he acquired nuclear energy as a countermeasure.
Tests were carried out that served as a kind of deterrent that could deter other countries from invading the territory. Roughly, the country may have up to one hundred and ten warheads that are currently active.
6. India
Another one is quite large nuclear power. The local nuclear program began in the year when the country was actively developing its independence. Initially, it was stated that all this would be used only for peaceful purposes, in order to maintain peace.
But then came large-scale nuclear tests, which hinted that in truth the goals were not so peaceful. And the country has, it is believed, about one hundred warheads.
5. China
It would be strange for such a large country as China not to care about its security. Hence the need to acquire nuclear weapons. It was purchased in 1964. The country is an active participant in the treaty on the non-proliferation of such weapons. However, China has quite a few weapons - about two hundred and forty warheads are currently believed to be active and ready for “use.” Of course, this number is approximate.
4. France
Although France is generally considered to be something associated with romance and love, one should not forget that it used to be an imperial country, and therefore everything regarding military affairs is decided quite seriously there. France places concern for its safety at a very high level. high place. As for nuclear weapons, they have been present since 1960. There are believed to be between 290 and 300 warheads, a number greater than that of larger China.
3. UK
Great Britain is among the countries that own sufficient quantity nuclear weapons for a very long time, since 1952. One can also highlight the fact that this country most actively called on other states for nuclear weapons. But Great Britain also distinguished itself personally by acquiring a huge nuclear stockpile. Up to 225 warheads are at its disposal and are ready for active use in the event of any emergency. The quantity is very considerable.
2. Russia
Russia was forced to join the list of nuclear countries by the US attack on Japan. As a result, the first experiments began in 1949. They were successful, because gradually the number of weapons at the country’s disposal grew. Now it has become very large. The exact number of warheads that are active at a given time is unknown, but experts estimate the upper ceiling at approximately eight and a half thousand.
1. United States
This country, no matter how skeptical many may be, is still the most developed in nuclear terms. This is, at the same time, the most best example how not to use such weapons stockpiles. Because the country’s interference in the lives of other countries, including with the use of nuclear weapons, has become canonical example. But that doesn't change great amount warheads, which varies from more than two thousand to approximately 7.7 thousand.
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) establishes that states that carried out a nuclear explosion before January 1, 1967 are recognized as nuclear powers. Thus, de jure in " nuclear club"includes Russia, USA, UK, France and China.
India and Pakistan are de facto nuclear states, but de jure they are not.
First nuclear test charger was conducted by India on May 18, 1974. On May 11 and 13, 1998, according to a statement from the Indian side, five nuclear charges, one of which is thermonuclear. India is a consistent critic of the NPT and still remains outside its framework.
A special group, according to experts, consists of those who do not have nuclear status states capable of creating nuclear weapons, but refraining, due to political and military inexpediency, from becoming nuclear states - the so-called “latent” nuclear states (Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan and others).
Three states (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan) that had nuclear weapons on their territory that remained after the collapse Soviet Union, signed in 1992 the Lisbon Protocol to the Treaty between the USSR and the USA on the Reduction and Limitation of Strategic offensive weapons. By signing the Lisbon Protocol, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus acceded to the NPT and were included in the list of countries that do not possess nuclear weapons.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
It is difficult to argue with the fact that further nuclear arms race is pointless. Nuclear powers have accumulated such potential that it is enough for several planets the size of Earth. In the first positions, as before, without a doubt, are the United States of America and Russia. North Korea has also already mastered nuclear technology and now he is only trying to modernize them. We must not forget about countries such as Brazil and Iran, which have long been members of the nuclear “club”. We can say that the world has prepared for the Third World War, but it may be the last. The villain Adolf Hitler would be horrified if he knew about the possibility modern weapons. How do you feel when you are in the position of a man sitting on a keg of gunpowder? Which countries have the most powerful nuclear potential? Let's try to name them, although all this is quite arbitrary, because one can only speculate about the true state of affairs. Let's take a look at five the most powerful nuclear powers in the world for 2019.
No. 5. France
The country began conducting its first nuclear tests in 1960. France has never rattled its nuclear weapons, but without a doubt we can say that today it is one of the most powerful nuclear powers. Some experts believe that we're talking about o 290 nuclear bombs Oh.
No. 4. Great Britain
The country began its first development of nuclear weapons in 1952. This project was called "Hurricane". The UK currently has about 250 warheads in its arsenal. The British consider the fact that they have nuclear weapons to be a response to the policies pursued by the Soviet leadership, aimed at increasing their nuclear potential.
No. 3. China
China is believed to be a more powerful nuclear power than it pretends to be. The official data provided by the Chinese authorities seems too underestimated. Moreover, China is trying to compete with the United States and all their actions are aimed at increasing the number of nuclear weapons. The first test dates back to 1964. Now the country rightfully ranks third in this area.
No. 2. United States of America
This may surprise many, but the United States is not in first place, although it certainly is. At least that's what it says officials, but it is not possible to verify their words, since nuclear secrets are the most hidden information. It is stated that the country has 7,500 nuclear warheads, but no one has any idea about their power. Moreover, America has the most powerful army in the world.
No. 1. Russia
And here is the first place and most powerful nuclear power. First nuclear weapons tests Soviet country carried out back in 1949. Throughout its existence, the USSR tirelessly increased its potential and eventually surpassed everyone in the number of nuclear bombs. In addition, the most powerful nuclear explosion was carried out in the country. Its justification is considered to be an attempt to intimidate other nuclear countries and thereby curb the arms race. There are currently about 8,500 warheads in the country.