Increase in the Global Nuclear Arsenal in 2022

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted on Monday that "the number of usable nuclear weapons increased slightly in 2022, as countries implemented long-term plans to modernize and enhance their nuclear capabilities," and warned that "the world is on the brink of a dangerous phase." Institute Director Dan Smith stated, "We are drifting into one of the most perilous periods in human history, and it is vital for governments around the world to find ways to cooperate to ease geopolitical tensions, slow down arms races, and address the escalating consequences of environmental collapse and the increasing spread of hunger worldwide." He added, "The nine nuclear-armed states continued to modernize their nuclear arsenals, with some deploying new nuclear weapon systems or capabilities in 2022. Both Russia and the United States possess nearly 90% of all nuclear weapons, and the sizes of the Russian and American arsenals appeared to remain relatively unchanged in 2022." Additionally, the leading conflict research center stated that "the estimated number of warheads in military stockpiles prepared for potential use rose to 9,576 warheads."