WWIII Fears Rise as Global Nuclear Arsenal Grows

Updated by Faith Barbara.N. Ruhinda at 11:20 EAT Friday 07 March 2025

Nuclear Arms Race Heats Up: 5 Countries Quietly Stockpiling Nukes
The world’s nuclear arsenal has increased significantly in several countries, sparking fears of World War III. According to a 2024 report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), five countries – China, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea – have increased their nuclear stockpiles by over 700 warheads in the past 40 years.

Global Nuclear Warhead Inventories
The FAS report estimates that there are 12,121 nuclear warheads scattered across nine nations. Russia and the US control roughly 88% of this stockpile, with Russia holding 5,580 bombs and the US possessing 5,044. The remaining 1,500 nuclear bombs are controlled by China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, and the UK.

A new report estimates that there are still over 12,000 nuclear warheads in the world, controlled by 9 different countries. *Courtesy Photo.*

Rising Tensions and Nuclear Testing
The US government has announced plans to restart nuclear testing programs in secret underground facilities. This move comes amid rising tensions between nations, with President Donald Trump warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he is “gambling with World War III” by not agreeing to America’s peace terms.

Nuclear Transparency Concerns
The FAS report notes that governments are becoming increasingly secretive about their nuclear stockpiles. The US ended its total disclosure policy in 2019, and although the Biden Administration promised to restore transparency, no US stockpile data has been declassified since 2021.

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