Stockholm-based think tank says India has operationally deployed nuclear warheads for the first time, marking a significant change in its long-standing nuclear posture
India has, for the first time, operationally deployed nuclear warheads, marking a significant shift in its nuclear weapons posture, according to the latest Yearbook 2026 released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The report states that India deployed 12 nuclear warheads during the past year, representing a departure from its long-standing practice of keeping nuclear warheads and delivery systems stored separately. SIPRI noted that this is the first time any part of India’s nuclear arsenal has been classified as operationally deployed rather than entirely stockpiled.
According to the report, India possessed around 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, up from an estimated 180 a year earlier. Of these, 12 warheads are now assessed to be operationally deployed, indicating a gradual increase in the readiness level of India’s nuclear deterrent.
First operational deployment
SIPRI highlighted that the newly deployed warheads mark the first known instance of India mating nuclear warheads with delivery systems or positioning them alongside operational military forces.
The report also noted that India has expanded the role of its sea-based nuclear deterrent following the operationalisation of two nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), INS Arighaat and INS Aridaman, since August 2024.
According to SIPRI, both submarines are capable of carrying nuclear-armed ballistic missiles and have been cleared for deterrence patrols, strengthening India’s second-strike capability.
India remains major military spender
The report said India remained the world’s fifth-largest military spender in 2025, with defence expenditure reaching $92.1 billion. This represented an increase of 8.9 per cent compared to 2024.
SIPRI also identified India as the world’s second-largest arms importer between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 8.2 per cent of global arms imports during the period.
Focus on China-driven deterrence
The Stockholm-based institute said India’s nuclear modernisation efforts are increasingly focused on developing longer-range missile systems capable of reaching targets across China, although strategic planning continues to be influenced by New Delhi’s rivalry with Pakistan.
China, according to the report, now possesses around 620 nuclear warheads, including 34 operationally deployed warheads. SIPRI noted that China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country and showcased several new nuclear systems during its 2025 military parade.
China’s deployed nuclear warheads increased from 24 in 2025 to 34 in 2026, the report added.
Russia and US dominate global nuclear stockpiles
Despite growing nuclear arsenals in Asia, Russia and the United States continue to dominate global nuclear inventories.
SIPRI estimates that Russia currently has 1,796 deployed nuclear warheads, compared to 1,770 deployed by the United States.
Russia’s overall military stockpile stands at approximately 4,400 warheads, while the United States possesses around 3,700 usable warheads.
Together, the two countries account for roughly 83 per cent of all stockpiled nuclear warheads worldwide, according to the report.
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