SIPRI: With peace elusive, nuclear weapons make a comeback
Key takeaways
- Governments are increasingly turning to nuclear deterrence.
- According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), all nine nuclear-armed countries modernized and expanded their arsenals in 2025.
- For the 2026 annual report, the SIPRI researchers identify a general trend: More governments are once again banking on nuclear weapons for national defense.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Governments are increasingly turning to nuclear deterrence. As the global arms buildup intensifies, so do the risks, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute warns.
https://p.dw.com/p/5Ew09China showcased its nuclear-capable DF-5C intercontinental missile during a 2025 military parade in Beijing Image: Go Nakamura/REUTERSAdvertisement Many countries are ramping up their military capabilities — and nuclear weapons are back on the agenda.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), all nine nuclear-armed countries modernized and expanded their arsenals in 2025. In addition to new nuclear weapons, additional delivery systems have been introduced that can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear warheads. These include missiles or cruise missiles.