How many countries in the world have nuclear weapons. Nuclear powers are giving up their stockpiles: what awaits the Nuclear Club? Pakistani nuclear potential
The nuclear picture of the world is not limited to the Russian-US biumvirate (see: NVO 09/03/2010 “Nuclear Tandem as a Guarantee of Balance”). As the strategic nuclear forces of the two leading powers are reduced, they become relatively more visible. strategic potentials remaining nuclear states - permanent members UN Security Council and countries included in the NPT.
Meanwhile, beyond a series of unilateral commitments, data submissions and declarations, they still lack legally binding and verifiable restrictions on their nuclear assets and their development programs.
The “nuclear five” are complemented by four states that have nuclear weapons but are not parties to the NPT. It is with them, as well as with the “threshold” regimes (primarily Iran), that the danger of further nuclear proliferation is now associated, combat use nuclear weapons in regional conflicts and hits nuclear materials or technologies into the hands of terrorists.
FRANCE – “TRIOMPHANTE” AND “MIRAGE”
This country ranks third in the world in strategic nuclear weapons with its 108 carriers and approximately 300 warheads. France tested nuclear weapons in 1960 and is armed with thermonuclear warheads with a yield of 100–300 kt.
The basis of the French forces at present is 3 Triomphant-class SSBNs with 48 M45 missiles and 240 warheads and one boat of the previous Inflexible type project. One submarine is constantly under repair, and one is on maritime patrol. Interestingly, in order to save money, France supports a set of SLBMs only for operationally deployed missile submarines (i.e., in this case, three). Additionally, the French “Strike Force” includes 60 Mirage 2000N aircraft and 24 carrier-based Super Etandar fighter-bombers, capable of delivering a total of approximately 60 air-to-ground missiles to targets. France has no other nuclear weapons systems.
The modernization program involves the commissioning of the 4th Triomphane-class submarine (instead of the one being withdrawn from combat personnel the last boat of the Inflexible type) and the deployment on all submarine missile carriers of new SLBMs of the M51.1 type with increased range, as well as the adoption of a new aviation system - the Rafael type fighter. The aviation component of the French strategic nuclear forces belongs to the operational-tactical means according to the Russian-American classification, but is part of the strategic " Strike forces» France. In 2009, Paris announced its intention to halve the aviation component, which would reduce the quantitative level of strategic nuclear forces to approximately 100 carriers and 250 warheads.
Having a relatively small nuclear potential, France openly emphasizes a very offensive, even “bully” type of nuclear strategy, which includes the concept of the first use of nuclear weapons, massive and limited strikes against both traditional opponents and “rogue” countries, and more recently against China ( For this purpose, a new extended-range SLBM is being created).
At the same time, the level of combat readiness of the French “Strike Forces” has been reduced, although the details of this are unknown. France stopped production of uranium in 1992 and plutonium in 1994, dismantled fissile material production facilities for military purposes (inviting representatives of other states to visit them), and closed its nuclear power plant. test site in Polynesia. It also announced an upcoming unilateral reduction of its nuclear weapons by a third.
EASTERN NUCLEAR TIGER
Chinese People's Republic conducted the first nuclear weapons test in 1964. Currently, China is the only one of the five great powers, permanent members of the UN Security Council and recognized five nuclear powers of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) that does not provide any official information about its armed forces, including nuclear weapons.
The official justification for this secrecy is that the Chinese nuclear forces are small in number and technically incomparable with the nuclear weapons of the other five powers, and therefore, in order to maintain its nuclear deterrent potential, China needs to maintain uncertainty regarding its strategic nuclear forces.
At the same time, China is the only great power that has officially accepted a commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, and without any reservations. This commitment is accompanied by some vague unofficial clarification (probably sanctioned by the authorities) that Peaceful time Chinese nuclear warheads are stored separately from missiles. It is also indicated that in the event of a nuclear strike, the task is to deliver warheads to the carriers within two weeks and strike back at the aggressor.
It is generally believed that a nuclear power that has accepted a commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons relies on the concept and means of a retaliatory strike. However, according to generally accepted estimates, so far Chinese strategic nuclear forces, as well as missile attack warning systems (AMWS), the infrastructure of points combat control and the ties are too fragile to support a retaliatory strike following a hypothetical disarming nuclear strike by the United States or Russia.
Therefore, the official doctrine of the PRC is interpreted as a predominantly political and propaganda tool (like the Soviet commitment on the no-first use of nuclear weapons from 1982), which does not reflect the real operational planning of strategic nuclear forces, which are actually aimed at a pre-emptive strike in the event of a direct threat of a nuclear attack. Due to the complete secrecy of official data, all assessments of China's nuclear weapons are based on information from foreign government and private sources. Thus, according to some of them, China has about 130 strategic ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. They include 37 old stationary ICBMs of the Dongfang-4/5A type and 17 old stationary medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs) of the Dongfang-3A type. Also deployed about 20 new ground-mobile ICBMs of the Dongfang-31A type (Chinese equivalent Russian missile"Topol") and 60 new ground-mobile MRBM "Dongfang-21". (According to other sources, China has 12 Dongfang-31/31A and 71 Dongfang-21/21A IRBMs.) All of these missiles have a monoblock warhead.
Also being developed new ICBM type "Dongfang-41" with a multiple warhead (6-10 warheads) for ground-mobile and railway-mobile launchers (similar to the decommissioned Russian RS-22 ICBM). China has periodically put to sea an experimental Xia-class nuclear submarine with 12 Julang-1 SLBM launchers and is building a second Jin-class submarine with longer-range Julang-2 missiles. The aviation component is represented by 20 obsolete Hong-6 type medium bombers, copied from Soviet aircraft Tu-16 produced in the 50s.
Although Beijing denies the presence of operational-tactical nuclear weapons, there are estimates that China has about 100 such weapons deployed.
In total, China's nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 180–240 warheads, making it the 4th or 3rd nuclear power behind the United States and Russia (and possibly France), depending on the accuracy of available unofficial estimates. Chinese nuclear warheads are mainly of the thermonuclear class with a power range of 200 kt - 3.3 Mt.
There is no doubt that the economic and technical potential of the PRC allows for the rapid build-up of nuclear missile weapons across the entire range of their classes. It is noteworthy that, apparently in the context of some cunning political line, in contrast to the extremely “modest” strategic declarations at the military parade on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 2009, China clearly sought to impress the whole world with a rapidly growing military power, including strategic nuclear weapons.
BET ON TRIDENTS
The UK is the most open about its nuclear capabilities. Its nuclear weapons were first tested in 1952, and currently British thermonuclear warheads have a yield of about 100 kt and, possibly, the sub-kiloton class.
The country's strategic forces consist of four Vanguard-class submarines, which deploy 48 Trident-2 SLBMs purchased from the United States and 144 British nuclear warheads. The SLBM set, like that of France, is designed for three submarines, since one is constantly under repair. An additional 10 spare missiles and 40 warheads are in storage. There are unofficial estimates that some SLBMs are equipped with a single warhead low power and target “rogue” countries. Britain has no other nuclear forces.
After heated debate in the middle of this decade, it was decided to begin designing a new type of SSBN and planning the purchase of modified Trident 2 missiles from the United States, as well as developing a new type of nuclear warheads for the period after 2024, when the Vanguard submarines reach the end of their service life . It is likely that progress in nuclear disarmament by the United States and Russia (new and subsequent START treaties) will entail a revision of these plans.
Providing options for limited nuclear strikes against “rogue” countries, London (in contrast to Paris) does not emphasize reliance on nuclear weapons and adheres to the strategy of “minimum nuclear deterrence.” It has been officially announced that nuclear forces are in a state of reduced combat readiness and their use will require a long time (weeks) after the transmission of the order from senior management. However, no technical clarification was given in this regard. The United Kingdom has declared the full extent of its fissile material stockpile and has also placed fissile material no longer required for defense purposes under international IAEA safeguards. It made all enrichment and reprocessing facilities available for international inspection by the IAEA and began work on national historical reporting of fissile materials produced.
Pakistani medium-range nuclear missile "Ghauri"
JERUSALEM NUCLEAR SHIELD
Israel differs from other nuclear states in that it not only does not report official data on its nuclear potential, but also does not confirm its existence. Nevertheless, no one in the world, either in government or private expert circles, questions the presence of nuclear weapons in Israel, and Tel Aviv quite deliberately does not dispute this assessment. Similar to the American line regarding its nuclear weapons on ships and submarines based in Japan, Israel is pursuing a “neither confirm nor deny” nuclear deterrence strategy.
Israel's officially unrecognized nuclear potential, according to the country's leadership, has a very tangible deterrent effect on surrounding Islamic countries and at the same time does not aggravate the awkward position of the United States in providing military assistance and political security support to Israel. Open recognition of the fact of possessing nuclear weapons, as Israeli leaders apparently believe, could provoke others Arab countries to withdraw from the NPT and create their own nuclear weapons.
Apparently, Israel developed nuclear weapons in the late 60s. Israeli nuclear warheads are designed on the basis of weapons-grade plutonium, and although they have never undergone full-scale testing, no one doubts their combat effectiveness due to the high scientific and technical level of Israeli nuclear scientists and those who assisted them abroad.
By expert assessments, currently the Israeli nuclear arsenal contains from 60 to 200 warheads of various types. Of these, about 50 are nuclear warheads for 50 medium-range Jericho-2 ballistic missiles (1500–1800 km). They cover almost all countries of the Middle East, including Iran, the Caucasus zone and southern regions Russia. In 2008, Israel tested the Jericho-2 missile with a range of 4,800–6,500 km, which corresponds to an intercontinental-class system. The remaining Israeli nuclear warheads appear to be aerial bombs and can be delivered by strike aircraft, primarily by more than 200 American-made F-16 aircraft. Additionally, Israel recently purchased three Dolphin-class diesel-electric submarines from Germany and has ordered two more. Probably, the torpedo tubes of these boats were adapted to launch tactical SLCMs of the Harpoon type (with a range of up to 600 km), purchased from the United States and capable of striking ground targets, including those with nuclear warheads.
Although Israel, for obvious reasons, does not explain its nuclear doctrine in any way, it is obvious that it provides for the first use of nuclear weapons (preventive or preemptive strike). After all, according to the logic of things, it is designed to prevent the situation, to use the Russian formula Military doctrine, “when the very existence of the state is threatened.” Until now, for 60 years, in all wars in the Middle East, Israel has won victories using only conventional armed forces and weapons. However, each time it was more difficult and cost Israel everything big losses. Apparently, Tel Aviv believes that such effectiveness of the use of the Israeli army cannot continue forever - taking into account the vulnerable geostrategic position of the state, the enormous superiority of the surrounding Islamic countries in terms of population, the size of the armed forces, with their volume purchases modern weapons and official declarations about the need to “erase Israel from the political map of the world.”
However, recent trends may call into question Israeli strategy national security. In the event of further proliferation of nuclear weapons, primarily through their acquisition by Iran and other Islamic countries, Israel's nuclear deterrence will be neutralized by the nuclear potential of other states in the region. Then there could be a catastrophic defeat for Israel in one of the future conventional wars, or an even greater catastrophe as a result of a regional nuclear war. At the same time, there is no doubt that Israel’s “anonymous” nuclear potential is a serious problem for strengthening the nuclear weapons non-proliferation regime in the Near and Middle East.
ATOMIC HINDOSTAN
India, along with Pakistan and Israel, belongs to the category of states possessing nuclear weapons that do not have legal status nuclear power under Article IX of the NPT. Delhi does not provide official data on its nuclear forces and programs. Most experts estimate India's potential at approximately 60–70 nuclear warheads based on weapons-grade plutonium with a yield of 15–200 kt. They can be placed on the appropriate number of monoblock tactical missiles(“Prithvi-1” with a range of 150 km), operational-tactical missiles (“Agni-1/2” – from 700 to 1000 km) and medium-range ballistic missiles under testing (“Agni-3” – 3000 km). India is also experiencing ballistic missiles sea-based short-range "Dhanush" and K-15 type. Medium bombers such as the Mirage-1000 Vazhra and Jaguar IS Shamsher can probably serve as carriers of nuclear bombs, as can fighter-bombers such as the MiG-27 and Su-30MKI purchased from Russia, the latter being equipped for in-flight refueling from aircraft Il-78 is also Russian-made.
Having conducted the first test of a nuclear explosive device in 1974 (declared a test for peaceful purposes), India openly tested nuclear weapons in 1998 and declared its nuclear forces as a deterrent to the PRC. However, like China, India has accepted a commitment not to be the first to use nuclear weapons, making an exception for a nuclear retaliatory strike in the event of an attack on it using other types of WMD. Judging by the available information, India, like China, practices separate storage of missile launch vehicles and nuclear warheads.
Pakistan conducted its first nuclear weapons test in 1998, almost simultaneously with India and with the official goal of containing the latter. However, the very fact of an almost simultaneous test indicates that the development of nuclear weapons was carried out in Pakistan over a long preceding period, possibly starting with the Indian “peaceful” nuclear experiment of 1974. In the absence of any official information, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 60-plus enriched uranium warheads with yields ranging from the sub-kiloton scale to 50 kt.
As carriers, Pakistan uses two types of operational-tactical ballistic missiles with a range of 400–450 km (type Haft-3 Ghaznavi and Haft-4 Shaheen-1), as well as MRBMs with a range of up to 2000 km (type Haft-5 Ghauri "). New ballistic missile systems medium-range (such as Haft-6 Shaheen-2 and Ghauri-2) are being tested, as are cruise missiles ground-based(type "Haft-7 Babur"), similar in technology to the Chinese GLCM "Dongfang-10". All missiles are placed on ground-mobile launchers and have a monoblock warhead. Cruise missiles of the Haft-7 Babur type are also being tested in air- and sea-launched versions - in the latter case, apparently, to equip Agosta-class diesel-electric submarines.
Probable aviation assets deliveries include American-made F-16 A/B fighter-bombers, as well as French Mirage-V fighters and Chinese A-5s.
Operational-tactical missiles have been deployed to positions within reach of Indian territory (as well as Indian missiles near Pakistani territory). Medium-range systems cover almost the entire territory of India, Central Asia and Russia Western Siberia.
Pakistan's official nuclear strategy openly relies on the concept of a first (preventive) nuclear strike - with reference to India's superiority in general-purpose forces (like Russia in the context of the superiority of the United States, NATO and, in the future, China). However, according to available information, Pakistani nuclear warheads are stored separately from their carriers, like Indian ones, which implies the dependence of Pakistani nuclear deterrence on timely warning of a possible war with India.
Separate storage in the case of Pakistan is of great importance due to the unstable internal political situation of the country, the great influence of Islamic fundamentalism there (including in the officer corps), and its involvement in the terrorist war in Afghanistan. We also cannot forget the experience of deliberate leakage of nuclear materials and technologies through the network of the “father of the Pakistani atomic bomb,” Nobel laureate Abdul Qadeer Khan, to the global “black market.”
THE MOST PROBLEM NUCLEAR POWER
Korean Folk Democratic Republic in terms of her nuclear status is a rather curious legal incident.
From point of view international law The five great powers consist of those legally recognized according to NPT nuclear powers - “states possessing nuclear weapons” (Article IX). The other three de facto nuclear states (India, Pakistan and Israel) are recognized as such in politically, but are not considered nuclear powers in the legal sense of this concept, since they have never been members of the NPT and cannot join it as nuclear powers according to the mentioned article.
North Korea has become another category - a state with an unrecognized nuclear status. The fact is that the DPRK took advantage of the fruits of peaceful nuclear cooperation with other countries within the framework of the NPT for military purposes, committed clear violations of its articles on IAEA safeguards, and ultimately withdrew from the NPT in 2003 with gross violations its Article X, which defines the permitted procedure for withdrawal from the Treaty. Therefore, recognizing the DPRK's nuclear status would be tantamount to encouraging flagrant violations of international law and would set a dangerous example for other possible violating countries.
However, North Korea tested plutonium-based nuclear explosive devices in 2006 and 2009 and, according to expert estimates, has approximately 5-6 such warheads. It is assumed, however, that these warheads are not compact enough to be placed on missile or aviation media. If these warheads were improved, North Korea could theoretically deploy them on several hundred Hwansong-type short-range ballistic missiles and several dozen Nodong-type MRBMs. Tests of Taepodong-type ICBMs in 2007–2009 were unsuccessful.
If equipped with nuclear warheads, the Hwangsong missiles could cover all of South Korea, adjacent areas of the People's Republic of China and Russian Primorye. In addition, Nodong medium-range missiles could reach Japan, central China, Russian Siberia. And the Taepodong intercontinental missiles, if their development is successfully completed, would gain reach to Alaska, Hawaiian Islands and the west coast of the main US territory, almost all regions of Asia, European zone Russia and even Central and Western Europe.
The arms race in the 20th century encouraged powers to develop under the plausible pretext of deterring nuclear attacks. In fact, some countries categorically deny their involvement in combat tests, even though indirect evidence indicates the presence of a nuclear arsenal on their territory.
But, whatever the position, scientists and ordinary mortals interested in the issue understand: if the bombing begins, then the historical “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 will seem like an amateur performance in comparison with that fiery cauldron , which will begin on the planet. Considering the current capabilities of the nuclear arsenal of some countries. Whatever one may say, the most powerful nuclear bomb was made under the USSR.
Nuclear arsenal of countries, number of nuclear warheads by country 2017/2018
A country | Nuclear program | Number of nuclear arsenal (warheads) |
---|---|---|
Second country to develop nuclear weapons. It has the largest arsenal of any country and invests significant funds in modernizing its warheads and launch vehicles. | 7000 | |
The first country to develop nuclear weapons and the only country to use them in war. The US spends the most on its nuclear arsenal. | 6800 | |
Most nuclear warheads are carried on submarines equipped with M45 and M51 missiles. One boat is on patrol 24/7. Some warheads are launched from aircraft. | 300 | |
China has a much smaller arsenal than the US and Russia. Its warheads are launched from the air, from land and from sea. China is increasing the size of its nuclear arsenal. | 270 | |
It maintains a fleet of four nuclear submarines in Scotland, each carrying 16 Trident missiles. The UK Parliament voted in 2016 to modernize its nuclear forces. | 215 | |
It is significantly improving its nuclear arsenal and related infrastructure. IN last years he increased the size of the nuclear arsenal. | 120-130 | |
India has developed nuclear weapons in violation of non-proliferation obligations. It increases the size of the nuclear arsenal and expands launch capabilities. | 110-120 | |
It maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal, neither confirming nor denying its existence. As a result, there is little information or discussion about it. | 80 | |
North Korea has a new nuclear program. Its arsenal probably contains fewer than 10 warheads. It is unclear whether he has the capacity to deliver them. We wrote the nuclear bomb of North Korea. | 10 | |
Total | 14900 warheads |
Nuclear Club list of countries
Russia
- Russia received most of its atomic weapons after the collapse of the USSR, when mass disarmament and removal of nuclear warheads to Russia were carried out at the military bases of the former Soviet republics.
- Officially, the country has a nuclear resource of 7,000 warheads and ranks first in the world in terms of weapons, of which 1,950 are deployed.
- First test former Soviet Union carried out in 1949 with a ground launch of an RDS-1 rocket from the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan.
- The Russian position regarding nuclear weapons is to use them in response to a similar attack. Or in case of attacks conventional weapons if it threatens the existence of the country.
USA
- The incident of two missiles dropped on two Japanese cities in 1945 is the first and only example of a live atomic attack. Thus, the United States became the first country to implement nuclear explosion. Today it is also the country with the most strong army in the world. Official estimates report 6,800 active units, with 1,800 deployed in combat status.
- The last US nuclear test was carried out in 1992. The US takes the position that it has sufficient weapons for its own defense and defense allied states from attack.
France
- After World War II, the country did not pursue the goal of developing its own weapons mass destruction. However, after Vietnam War and the loss of its colonies in Indochina, the government of the country reconsidered its views, and since 1960 has carried out nuclear tests first in Algeria, and then on two uninhabited coral islands in French Polynesia.
- In total, the country conducted 210 tests, the most powerful of which were the Canopus in 1968 and the Unicorn in 1970. There is information about the presence of 300 nuclear warheads, 280 of which are located on deployed carriers.
- The scale of the global armed confrontation clearly demonstrated that the longer the French government ignores peaceful initiatives to curb weapons, the better for France. Even France acceded to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty proposed by the UN in 1996 only in 1998.
China
- China. China conducted its first test of an atomic weapon, codenamed “596,” in 1964, opening the way to becoming one of the five residents of the Nuclear Club.
- Modern China has 270 warheads in storage. Since 2011, the country has adopted a policy of minimal weapons, which will be used only in case of danger. And the developments of Chinese military scientists are in no way behind the leaders in weapons, Russia and the United States, and since 2011 they have presented to the world four new modifications of ballistic weapons with the ability to load them with nuclear warheads.
- There is a joke that China is based on the number of its compatriots, who make up the largest diaspora in the world, when talking about the “minimum necessary” number of combat units.
Great Britain
- Great Britain, like a true lady, even though it is one of the leading Five nuclear powers, and such obscenity as atomic tests on my own territory, did not practice. All tests were carried out away from British lands, in Australia and in the Pacific Ocean.
- She began her nuclear career in 1952 with the activation of a nuclear bomb with a yield of more than 25 kilotons of TNT on board the frigate Plym, anchored near the Pacific islands of Montebello. In 1991, testing was stopped. Officially, the country has 215 charges, of which 180 are located on deployed carriers.
- The UK actively opposes the use of nuclear ballistic missiles, although there was a precedent in 2015, when Prime Minister David Cameron encouraged international community message that the country, if desired, can demonstrate the launch of a couple of charges. The minister did not specify in which direction the nuclear greeting would fly.
Young nuclear powers
Pakistan
- Pakistan. The common border with India and Pakistan prevents them from signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In 1965, the country's foreign minister said that Pakistan would be ready to begin developing its own nuclear weapons if neighboring India began to do so. His determination was so serious that he promised to put the entire country on bread and water for the sake of protection from armed provocations of India.
- Development of explosive devices has been ongoing for a long time, with variable funding and construction of facilities since 1972. The country conducted its first tests in 1998 at the Chagai training ground. There are about 120-130 in storage in the country nuclear charges.
- The emergence of a new player in the nuclear market forced many partner countries to impose a ban on the import of Pakistani goods into their territory, which could greatly undermine the country's economy. Fortunately for Pakistan, it had a number of unofficial sponsors who provided funds for nuclear testing. The largest revenues were oil from Saudi Arabia, imported into the country daily at 50 thousand barrels.
India
- The homeland of the most cheerful films was pushed to participate in the nuclear race by its proximity to China and Pakistan. And if China has long been in the position of superpowers and does not pay attention to India, and does not particularly oppress permanent job over its potential and refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
- Nuclear power prevented India from venturing out into the open from the very beginning, so the first test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in 1974, was carried out secretly, underground. All developments were so classified that the researchers even notified their own Minister of Defense about the tests at the last moment.
- Officially, India admitted that yes, we sin, we have charges, only in the late 1990s. According to modern data, there are 110-120 units in storage in the country.
North Korea
- North Korea. The favorite move of the United States - “showing strength” as an argument in negotiations - was very disliked by the DPRK government back in the mid-1950s. At that time, the States actively intervened in Korean War, allowing the atomic bombing of Pyongyang. The DPRK learned its lesson and set a course for militarizing the country.
- Together with an army that is now the fifth largest in the world, Pyongyang is conducting nuclear research, which until 2017 were not particularly interesting to the world, since they took place under the auspices of space exploration, and relatively peacefully. Sometimes the neighboring lands shook South Korea from medium-sized earthquakes of unknown nature, that’s all the trouble.
- At the beginning of 2017, the “false” news in the media that the United States was sending its aircraft carriers to meaningless promenades off the Korean shores left a residue, and the DPRK, without much concealment, conducted six nuclear tests. Today the country has 10 nuclear units in storage.
- How many other countries are conducting research on developing nuclear weapons is unknown. To be continued.
Suspicions of nuclear weapons storage
There are several known countries suspected of storing nuclear weapons:
- Israel, like the old and wise Reve, is in no hurry to lay his cards on the table, but does not directly deny the presence of nuclear weapons. The “Non-Proliferation Treaty” has also not been signed, and it’s more invigorating than the morning snow. And all that the world has are only rumors about the nuclear tests that the Promised One allegedly conducted since 1979 together with South Africa in the South Atlantic and the presence of 80 nuclear warheads in storage.
- Iraq, according to unverified data, has been storing an unknown number of nuclear weapons for an unknown number of years. “Simply because it can,” they said in the United States, and at the beginning of the 2000s, together with Great Britain, they sent troops into the country. Later they apologized heartily that they were “mistaken.” We didn't expect anything else, gentlemen.
- Came under the same suspicions Iran, due to testing the “peaceful atom” for energy needs. This became the reason to impose sanctions on the country for 10 years. In 2015, Iran pledged to report on uranium enrichment research, and the country was released from sanctions.
Four countries cleared themselves of all suspicion by officially refusing to participate “in these races of yours.” Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine transferred all their capacities to Russia with the collapse of the USSR, although the President of Belarus A. Lukashenko sometimes sighs with a hint of nostalgia that “If only there were any weapons left, they would talk to us differently.” And South Africa, even though it once participated in the development of nuclear power, openly withdrew from the race and lives quietly.
Partly due to internal contradictions political forces, who opposed nuclear policy, partly due to lack of necessity. One way or another, some have transferred all power to the cultivation of the “peaceful atom”, and some have abandoned nuclear potential altogether (like Taiwan, after the accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine).
List of countries that have phased out nuclear programs:
- Australia
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Libya
- Egypt
- Taiwan
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- South Korea
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
All nuclear weapons existing in the world are 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 research took place in Germany, the Soviet Union, and the United States as the three largest and most powerful countries involved 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, but the world community is inclined to believe 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; there are approximately 20,500 nuclear warheads scattered around the world.
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, naval strategic forces and 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
Great Britain
: developed her own supercomputer, conducted nuclear tests until 1998. After this, nuclear weapons were not developed or tested in France. The UK has 225 nuclear warheads, of which more than 160 are operational and carried on submarines., 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 is impossible for it to be the first to use weapons, and also that they will not be used against non-nuclear countries. 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, which causes a negative reaction from the world community.
Pakistan
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 medium-range missiles and the Musudan missile mobile system. 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 the 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.
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Books
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- World Nuclear Club. How to save the world, Rabinovich, Yakov Iosifovich. Name outstanding thinker, mathematics, public figure Igor Rostislavovich Shafarevich does not need any special introduction. His famous “Russophobia”, published in the late 70s...
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 is now only trying to modernize it. 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 of 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. By at least, this is stated 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. In addition, 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 country held the most powerful nuclear explosion. 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.