Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record $91.4 billion in 2023, marking a 13% increase from the previous year, primarily driven by increased US defence budgets amid geopolitical tensions like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war.
The US led the spending with $51.5 billion, followed by China at $11.9 billion, and Russia at $8.3 billion. The report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Ican) warns that nuclear states are on track to spend $100 billion annually on nuclear arsenals, diverting funds from critical social and environmental needs. The number of active nuclear warheads has also increased slightly, mainly due to China’s expansion of its arsenal.
1. Record Increase in Spending
Global nuclear weapons spending rose by 13% to $91.4 billion in 2023, up $10.7 billion from the previous year.
2. Top Spenders
United States: $51.5 billion
China: $11.9 billion
Russia: $8.3 billion
United Kingdom: $8.1 billion
France: $6.1 billion
3. Geopolitical Drivers
The increase is largely due to geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine invasion and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
4. Lack of Transparency
Spending estimates for authoritarian states and countries with undeclared nuclear programs (India, Pakistan, Israel) are less reliable.
5. Humanitarian Concerns
Ican criticises the massive spending on nuclear weapons, suggesting these funds could address climate change and improve global health and education.
6. Long-term Trends
Over five years, global nuclear spending has increased by 34%, with significant rises in the US (45%) and the UK (43%).
7. Active Warheads Increase
The number of active nuclear warheads globally is now 9,585, with China expanding its arsenal from 410 to 500.
8. Dominance of US and Russia
The US and Russia hold about 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads, with Russia at 4,380 and the US at 3,708.
9. Nuclear Role in International Relations
Nuclear weapons are playing a more prominent role in global politics, reminiscent of the Cold War era.
10. Contradictions in Policy
Despite a 2022 joint statement by the US, UK, France, China, and Russia declaring that “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought,” nuclear arsenals continue to grow.
