At the session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, many states have already signed the Ban Treaty nuclear weapons(it was adopted on July 7, 2017 at the UN headquarters and opened for signature on September 20. - Ed.). As UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres put it, they want to create a world “without doomsday weapons.” But countries possessing nuclear weapons (NW) are not participating in the initiative.
Uwho has nuclear weapons and how many?
It is generally accepted that today there are actually nine nuclear powers in the world - the USA, Russia, France, Great Britain, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and the DPRK. At their disposal, according to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) as of January 2017, there are a total of about 15 thousand nuclear warheads. But they are distributed very unevenly among the G9 countries. The United States and Russia account for 93 percent of all nuclear warheads on the planet.
Who has official nuclear status and who does not?
Officially, only those that signed the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons are considered nuclear powers. These are (in order of the creation of their first atomic bomb) - USA (1945), USSR/Russia (1949), Great Britain (1952), France (1960) and China (1964). The remaining four countries, although they have nuclear weapons, have not joined the treaty on their non-proliferation.
North Korea withdrew from the treaty, Israel has never officially recognized its nuclear weapons, but Tel Aviv is believed to have them. In addition, the United States assumes that Iran continues to work on creating an atomic bomb, despite the official renunciation of the military use of nuclear energy and control by the IAEA.
How the number of nuclear warheads changed
Although over time more and more states began to possess nuclear weapons, the number of nuclear warheads today is significantly lower than in the days cold war. In the 1980s there were about 70 thousand. Today, their number continues to decline in accordance with the disarmament agreement concluded by the United States and Russia in 2010 (START III Treaty). But the quantity is not so important. Almost all nuclear powers are modernizing their arsenal and making it even more powerful.
What initiatives are there for nuclear disarmament?
The oldest such initiative is the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The signatory states that do not have nuclear weapons undertake to permanently abandon their creation. The official nuclear powers undertake to negotiate disarmament. However, the agreement did not stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Another weakness treaty - it divides the world in the long term into those who have nuclear weapons and those who do not. Critics of the document also note that the five official nuclear powers are also permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Have there been successful agreements on nuclear disarmament?
The United States and the USSR/Russia have destroyed a significant number of nuclear warheads and their delivery vehicles since the end of the Cold War. According to the START I treaty (signed in July 1991, entered into force in December 1994, expired in December 2009. - Ed.), Washington and Moscow have significantly reduced their nuclear arsenals.
Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signing the New START Treaty, April 2010
This process was not easy and was slowed down from time to time, but the goal was so important for both sides that Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed the START III treaty in the spring of 2010. Obama then announced his desire for a nuclear-free world. Further fate treaty is considered uncertain due to the policy of demonstration military force led by US President Donald Trump, and Russian actions in relation to Ukraine.
Which countries have given up nuclear weapons?
South Africa abandoned attempts to create an atomic bomb shortly before the abolition of the apartheid regime, as did Libya in 2003. The former republics of the USSR stand apart here, having inherited nuclear weapons after its collapse. Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan signed the Lisbon Protocol, making them parties to the START I treaty, and then acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Ukraine had the largest arsenal, the third in the world after the United States and Russia. Having refused it, Kyiv received in return financial assistance, as well as guarantees of security and territorial integrity from nuclear powers, enshrined in the so-called Budapest Memorandum. However, the memorandum was in the nature of a voluntary commitment, was not ratified by any of the states that signed it, and did not provide for a sanctions mechanism.
Context
Since the beginning of the conflict in eastern Ukraine in 2014, critics of the memorandum say that Kyiv’s refusal to renounce nuclear weapons has not justified itself. They believe that Ukraine's nuclear weapons would not allow Russia to annex Crimea. On the other hand, experts note that the example of North Korea could cause a chain reaction when more and more countries want to obtain atomic warheads.
What are the prospects for banning nuclear weapons?
The current initiative to ban nuclear weapons is nothing more than a symbolic gesture against the nuclear arms race. If only because all nine nuclear powers are not taking part in this initiative. They claim that nuclear weapons are best protection from attack, and point to a pre-existing non-proliferation treaty. But this agreement does not talk about a ban.
NATO also does not support the treaty, which opened for signature on September 20. The campaign to sign it, as stated in the alliance's official statement, "does not take into account the increasingly threatening international security situation." Jean-Yves Le Drian, France's foreign minister, called the initiative an "almost irresponsible" "self-deception." According to him, it can only weaken the non-proliferation treaty.
On the other hand, Beatrice Fihn, head of the international campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons, called on countries around the world to join the initiative. She emphasized that nuclear weapons are “the only type of weapon mass destruction, which is still not prohibited, despite its destructive power and threat to humanity." According to her, with Donald Trump coming to power in the United States, this threat has increased.
See also:
North Korean missiles and bombs
Missile launches in North Korea last years have become noticeably more frequent. Pyongyang is experiencing ballistic missiles contrary to UN resolutions and gradually tightening sanctions. Experts do not even rule out the outbreak of hostilities on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Beginning - during the late Kim Il Sung
Although the number of missile tests has increased in the last four years, the first of them were carried out back in 1984 - under then North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, over the last 10 years of his rule, the DPRK conducted 15 tests, with no launches from 1986 to 1989 inclusive.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Kim Jong Il: the beginning of nuclear tests
Kim Jong Il, the son of Kim Il Sung, who led the country in July 1994, also did not stand aside. During the 17 years of his reign, 16 missile tests were carried out, although almost all of them occurred in two years - 2006 (7 launches) and 2009 (8). This is less than in the first 8 months of 2017. However, it was during the reign of Kim Jong Il that Pyongyang conducted its first two nuclear weapons tests - in 2006 and 2009.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Kim Jong-un: unprecedented activity
Under the son and grandson of the former rulers, North Korea's missile activity reached an unprecedented level. Over the past 6 years, Pyongyang has already carried out 84 ballistic missile launches. Not all of them were successful; in some cases, the rockets exploded at launch or during flight.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Towards Guam
In early August 2017, reports emerged that the North Korean army was developing a plan to launch four medium-range ballistic missiles towards the US military base on the island of Guam in Pacific Ocean. US President Donald Trump's response was predictably harsh and threatening.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Over Japanese territory
On August 29, 2017, the DPRK carried out another test, and this time the missile flew over Japanese territory - the island of Hokkaido. Kim Jong-un said that launching a missile towards Japan is preparation for war in the Pacific Ocean.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Sixth nuclear
A few days after the missile was launched over Japan, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a nuclear weapon, adding that we're talking about about the hydrogen bomb. This was already the sixth underground nuclear explosion, carried out by Pyongyang. Experts estimated the bomb's yield to be approximately 100 kilotons.
North Korea's missile and nuclear tests: a project of three generations of Kims
Meetings and condemnatory statements
After almost every North Korean missile or nuclear test, the security councils convene for emergency meetings. different countries and the UN Security Council. But they, like the condemning statements of world leaders, have not yet brought any effect.
States that possess nuclear warheads are members of the so-called Nuclear Club. The leaders in the number of units of this weapon are the United States and Russia. Both countries conducted their first nuclear weapons tests almost simultaneously.
The nuclear powers of the world represented in the rating (with the exception of Israel) have officially confirmed that they have atomic weapons and are members of the Nuclear Club. At the moment, the door to it is closed, since most countries of the world have signed a non-proliferation agreement, according to which they refuse to develop and test warheads.
Any state has the opportunity to renounce the terms of the Treaty by notifying the decision 90 days in advance. However, in this case, it risks falling under all sorts of costs, sanctions and incurring more serious problems. For example, it was for this reason that the Americans destroyed the Iraqi dream of their own atomic bomb, destroyed by bombers along with the research center.
So, the list of countries included in the Nuclear Club is as follows.
USA
The American military is the strongest in the world. In addition, the United States is the only country on the planet that used atomic bombs during the war.
Over the entire history of the existence of nuclear weapons in America, almost 7,000 charges of various modifications were produced. Most of all nuclear weapons are located on submarines.
The Americans adhere to the version used by the majority of members of the Nuclear Club: the number of atomic warheads is limited to the amount necessary to ensure guaranteed safety. Our own and allied countries.
Russia
How many nuclear warheads did Russia get from Soviet Union, can't count now. It is known that in the early 90s, warheads were “collected” from all military bases and transported to Russian ones.
According to comments from Russian military personnel, Russian atomic weapons will be used only in case of danger. If a similar type of weapon is used against the Russian Federation, the integrity and existence of the state will be threatened.
As of 2019, Russia has a capability of 7,000 nuclear warheads.
Great Britain
All countries with nuclear weapons sooner or later carried out explosions on their own and any other European territory. The UK is an exception to these rules. Until 1991, the British carried out tests on Australian lands and in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The UK's nuclear capability includes 215 warheads.
France
The French have conducted more than 200 tests and constantly refuse to take part in peace agreements between member countries of the Nuclear Club. As of today, the country owns 300 atomic bombs.
China
China is the only state on the entire list of the Nuclear Club that has pledged not to strike countries in the world that do not have similar types of weapons. In 2011, the Chinese made an official statement that they do not plan to expand the number of missiles and will stick to their minimum stock.
After this, Chinese scientists developed 4 types of new ballistic missiles designed for nuclear warheads.
On this moment The Celestial Empire has a potential of 270 warheads.
India
The existence of nuclear weapons in India became obvious back in 1974. However, the Indians made official recognition of their presence only at the end of the 20th century.
Almost immediately after the statement, in 1998 they carried out 3 more tests and announced their refusal to further development. At the moment, the country may have 120-130 nuclear warheads, but due to the constant confrontation with Pakistan, the declared number is highly questionable.
Israel
Statements by the Israeli military regarding the ownership of this type of weapon are ambiguous. They do not make statements about the possession of a peaceful atom, but they also do not make statements to the contrary.
There is evidence that the country has had a nuclear potential since 1979. It was at this time that several bright flashes were recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, almost identical to the explosions of atomic bombs. In this regard, it has been suggested that they were the first tests of the Israeli military.
The unpleasant point in this case is the fact that they refused to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Pakistan
Alarmed by Indian testing in 1974, Pakistani officials said they would “eat grass but create their own.” 24 years later, the Pakistanis achieved the desired result and carried out the first explosions at the Chagai military training ground. The reason for such a reaction to the expansion of armament of a neighboring state is explained by the constant permanent unfriendliness between countries with neighboring borders.
Pakistan currently has 130-140 warheads.
DPRK
In the middle of the last century, North Korean leader Kim Il Sung, alarmed by the United States' threat of a possible bomb attack, turned to the Soviet Union asking for help. The leadership of the USSR agrees to help the “brotherly” socialist state and provides full assistance in the development of the project. The improvement of the political situation in the world and the reduction in the likelihood of bombings made it possible to stop them. At least that's what the official data reported.
Despite this, in 2004 the country conducted its first experimental nuclear tests. According to the Korean government, atomic weapons are intended for space development.
The most unpleasant point in this situation is that today the exact number of warheads the DPRK has is unknown. According to the version obtained from some sources, their number does not exceed 10, according to another - more than 50.
Officially, the Nuclear Club does not exist - this is a so-called political science cliche, that is, a term that conventionally designates states that belong to nuclear powers. All of them have, are testing or are developing this type of weapon.
Video
Documentary films by L. Mlechin. "Nuclear Club. How much is the entrance ticket:
The list of nuclear powers in the world for 2019 includes nine states. The first country to test such weapons was the United States in 1945. Just a few years later, the USSR joined the “Nuclear Club,” of which Russia later became its heir.
The presence of warheads in Great Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea has been officially confirmed. As for Israel, its authorities neither confirmed nor denied that they have nuclear weapons on their territory.
Countries such as Ukraine and the Republic of Belarus abandoned their share of weapons in favor of Russia after the collapse of the USSR. In the 90s of the last century, South Africa voluntarily destroyed its ammunition, trying to whiten its reputation after a long policy of “apartheid”.
There is information that Iran is actively developing warheads, but for now this Asian country uses nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes. Thus, today there are nine countries in the “Nuclear Club” that use the weapons they have as a powerful instrument of pressure on the world community.
North Korea
The United States threatened the DPRK with a nuclear strike back in 1953. The communist authorities of Korea turned to China and the USSR for help and already in the 70s began the first developments.
Officially, the Koreans first used their weapons in 2004. Today, according to various sources, the number of warheads in the DPRK ranges from 20 to 60.
Israel
Officials of this country prefer to remain silent about any mention of the presence of warheads on Israeli territory.
The program for creating deadly bombs was launched here back in the 60s. There is information that Israel, together with South Africa, was involved in the 1979 tests, which received the name “Vela Incident” in history. The number of charges is estimated from 80 to 400 units.
India
The Indians tested their weapons back in 1974, but agreed to the title of a nuclear country only in May 1998 after the explosions in Pokharan.
Today the Indian arsenal is 120-130 units.
Pakistan
Pakistan, which once gained independence from India in a struggle and endlessly disputes with this country over the border provinces of Jammu and Kashmir, reacted instantly to the Indian tests of 1998 in Pokharan.
Just a couple of weeks after the incident, Pakistani authorities ordered the explosion of several charges at the Chagai test site. In 2019, the number of Pakistani warheads is comparable to Indian ones and amounts to 130-140.
Great Britain
The British preferred to carry out test explosions not on their territory, but in remote corners of the Pacific Ocean and Australia.
Their weapons were actively tested from 1952 to 1991. At the turn of the century there was a lull, but several years ago Prime Minister John Cameron recalled that England not only possesses warheads, but is also quite capable of using them.
The total number of British charges is slightly above the 200 mark.
China
The nuclear map of the world includes the Celestial Empire. With an arsenal of 270 warheads, the Chinese say they will never bomb non-nuclear countries and are prepared to keep their capabilities to a minimum level.
At the same time, China is actively developing new missiles capable of carrying a nuclear charge.
France
Since 1960, the French have conducted several hundred tests on the territory of Algeria and French Polynesia under their control.
The authorities of the Fifth Republic for a long time resisted signing any documents related to the limitation of nuclear weapons, but still agreed in the 90s. to replenish the list of participants in the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
France's nuclear potential is approximately 300 missiles.
USA
The Americans, with approximately 6,800 weapons, are the only country to test the deadly weapon in combat conditions.
This happened in August 1945 and cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Today, most of the American charges are located on submarines, dispersed across strategically important points of the world's oceans.
Russian Federation
Russia is recognized as the heir to the mighty nuclear arsenal of the USSR. As of 2019, the number of Russian warheads exceeded 7,000. 
IMPORTANT! The Russian authorities guarantee that they will use their ammunition only in response to an armed attack from the outside that threatens the existence of the country.
In the 21st century conflicts between members of the “Nuclear Club”, for example, the DPRK and the USA or Pakistan and India, have intensified. The international community should do its best to promote the signing of a treaty banning the use of warheads, but so far these initiatives are encountering active opposition from “nuclear” states.
Nuclear powers are giving up their stockpiles: what awaits the Nuclear Club?
Nuclear (or atomic) weapons are the presence of the entire nuclear arsenal, its means of transportation, as well as control hardware. Such weapons are classified as weapons of mass destruction - weapons of mass destruction. The explosive action of the so-called “rusty death” weapon is based on the principle of using some of the qualities possessed by nuclear energy released as a result of a nuclear or thermonuclear reaction.
Types of nuclear weapons
Everything available at globe Nuclear weapons can be divided into two types:
- Atomic weapons are single-phase type explosive mechanisms. During the fission of heavy nuclei of plutonium or uranium 235, energy is released;
- Thermonuclear weapon is an explosive mechanism with a two-phase type. During the impact of the first phase, the release of energy occurs due to the fission of heavy nuclei. During the operation of the second phase, a phase with thermonuclear fusion is connected to fission reactions. In the process of proportional composition of reactions, the types of these weapons are determined.
From the history of the emergence of nuclear weapons
In 1889, the Curie couple made a grand discovery in the scientific world. They discovered a hitherto unknown substance in a piece of uranium that released a colossal amount of energy.
After this discovery, events developed as follows. E. Rutherford studied the basic properties of atoms. E. Walton and D. Cockcroft were the first in the world to carry out fission atomic nucleus. And already in 1934, scientist Leo Szilard registered a patent for the creation of an atomic bomb.
The purpose for which atomic weapons were created is very trivial - it is world domination, with the intimidation and destruction of their enemies. So, when the Second was already underway World War, scientists in Germany, the Soviet Union and the United States were studying scientific research and nuclear weapons development. These three largest and most powerful states, actively participating in hostilities, attempted to achieve victory at any cost. Moreover, if at that time they had managed to use these weapons as a key factor in victory, then they could have been used more than once in other military conflicts.
Nuclear powers of the world for 2018
The states that currently possess nuclear weapons are secretly called the Nuclear Club.
The following are considered legitimate within the international legal framework:
- United States of America (USA);
- Russia (which received nuclear weapons from the USSR after its collapse);
- France;
- Great Britain;
- China.
The following are considered illegitimate:
- India;
- North Korea;
- Pakistan.
There is another state - Israel. Officially, it does not have its own nuclear weapons. However, the world community is of the opinion that Israel should take its place in the Nuclear Club.
However, it is possible that there may be other participants on this list. Many world states had nuclear programs, but some of them gave up the idea later, and some are still working on them to this day. In some states, such weapons are supplied by other countries, for example, the United States. The exact number of weapons and how many nuclear powers own these weapons in the world is not known. However, approximately twenty and a half thousand nuclear warheads are scattered throughout the globe.
In 1968, they signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Later, in 1986, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed. However, not all states decided to sign and ratify (legalize) these documents. Thus, the threat to the world is still real. Moreover, no matter how strange it may sound, at present the presence of nuclear weapons is a guarantee of peace, a deterrent that can protect against aggression, which is why many states are so eager to acquire them.
United States Arsenal
Today, the United States has an arsenal of 1,654 warheads. The United States is armed with bombs, warheads, and shells. All this is used in military aviation, the submarine fleet, and also in artillery.
At the end of World War II, the United States produced over sixty-six thousand bombs with warheads, but already in 1997 the production of new types of nuclear weapons was completely stopped. By 2010, the United States arsenal consisted of more than five thousand nuclear weapons. Since 2013, their number has decreased to 1,654 units according to the project, which involved a reduction in nuclear potential.
As the unofficial world leader, the United States has the status of a nuclear power and, according to the 1968 treaty, as part of five states, it legitimately possesses nuclear weapons.
Russia (former USSR) is the second nuclear power
Russia currently has 1,480 warheads and 367 nuclear delivery vehicles. This ammunition is intended for use missile forces, naval strategic forces and strategic aviation. Over the past decade, Russia's operational nuclear stockpile has decreased significantly, by 12% per year. Due to the signing of an agreement on mutual disarmament, by 2012 it was supposed to decrease by 2/3.
Today, the Russian Federation, as the successor to the USSR, is one of the main members of the 1968 agreements on nuclear weapons and possesses them legally. In the current global political and economic situation, Russia is being opposed to the United States and European countries. However, with such a serious arsenal, you can defend your independent positions on geopolitical issues.
French nuclear potential
France currently has approximately 300 strategic warheads, as well as approximately 60 air-launched tactical multiprocessors. All this can be used by submarines and aircraft. For a long time, France had to strive to be independent in matters of its own weapons. She was developing her own supercomputer and conducting nuclear tests until 1998. France was no longer involved in nuclear weapons.
British nuclear capability
The UK has 225 nuclear warheads. Of these, over 160 are in combat readiness and are located on submarines. No one has accurate information about the weapons of the British army. They do not disclose the exact size of their nuclear arsenal. The UK has no desire to increase its nuclear stockpile, nor to reduce it. It is guided by a policy of deterring allied and neutral states from using these weapons.
Chinese nuclear potential
According to American experts, the Chinese have approximately 240 warheads. Although according to official data, the Chinese military has approximately 40 intercontinental missiles, which are controlled by artillery and submariners. In addition, the Chinese army has approximately 1,000 short-range missiles.
Chinese authorities do not disclose precise information about their arsenal. They state that their nuclear weapons are expected to be maintained at the lowest level that is safe. Moreover, the Chinese authorities say that they will not be the first to use nuclear weapons, and in relation to non-nuclear states they will not use them at all. Such statements are only welcomed by the international community.
Indian nuclear potential
According to some estimates, India does not officially have nuclear weapons. India currently has approximately 30 nuclear warheads in its arsenal, as well as enough materials to make 90 more.
In addition, the Indian Army has short-range missiles, medium-range ballistic missiles, and extended-range missiles. Being an illegal possessor of atomic weapons, the Indian authorities do not officially declare their nuclear policy, this causes negative reactions in the world community.
Pakistani nuclear potential
It is known from unofficial sources that the Pakistani army has almost 200 nuclear warheads. There is no exact information about the types of their weapons. The world community reacted to nuclear tests as harshly as possible. Pakistan has been subject to economic sanctions by almost all major world states. The exception was Saudi Arabia, which supplied the state with approximately fifty thousand barrels of oil per day.
North Korea is a new generation nuclear power
North Korea is a state that officially possesses nuclear weapons, and in this regard, in 2012, it amended its Constitution. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea owns single-stage medium-range missiles and the Musudan missile mobile system.
The reaction of the international community to the creation and testing of nuclear weapons has been extremely negative. The lengthy six-party negotiations are still ongoing, and the state is subject to an economic embargo. However, the North Korean authorities are in no hurry to abandon the creation of their nuclear shield.
Should we give up nuclear weapons?
Nuclear weapons are one of the most terrible types of destruction of the population and economic potential of a hostile state. This is a weapon that destroys everything in its path. Aware of the seriousness of the presence of such weapons, the governments of many states (especially the “Nuclear Club”) are taking a wide variety of measures to reduce the number of these weapons, as well as guarantees for their non-use.
The list of nuclear powers in the world for 2019 includes ten main states. Information about which countries have nuclear potential and in what units it is expressed quantitatively is based on data from the Stockholm international institute Peace Research and Business Insider.
Nine countries that are officially owners of weapons of mass destruction form the so-called “Nuclear Club”.
No data.
First test: No data.
Last test: No data.
Today it is officially known which countries have nuclear weapons. And Iran is not one of them. However, he did not curtail work on the nuclear program and there are persistent rumors that this country has its own nuclear weapons. The Iranian authorities say that they are quite capable of building it for themselves, but for ideological reasons they are limited only to the use of uranium for peaceful purposes.
For now, Iran's use of nuclear power is under the control of the IAEA as a result of a 2015 agreement, but the status quo may soon be subject to change - in October 2017, Donald Trump said that the current situation no longer corresponds to US interests. How much this announcement will change the current political climate remains to be seen.
Number of nuclear warheads: 10-60
First test: 2006
Last test: 2018
To the list of countries with nuclear weapons in 2019, to the greatest horror Western world, North Korea entered. Flirting with the atom in North Korea began in the middle of the last century, when Kim Il Sung, frightened by US plans to bomb Pyongyang, turned to the USSR and China for help. The development of nuclear weapons began in the 1970s, stopped as the political situation improved in the 90s, and naturally continued as it worsened. Already since 2004, nuclear tests have taken place in the “mighty, prosperous country.” Of course, as the Korean military assures, for purely harmless purposes - for the purpose of space exploration.
Adding to the tension is the fact that the exact number of nuclear warheads in North Korea is unknown. According to some data, their number does not exceed 20, according to others, it reaches 60 units.
Number of nuclear warheads: 80
First test: 1979
Last test: 1979
Israel has never said that it has nuclear weapons - but it has never claimed the opposite either. What adds piquancy to the situation is that Israel refused to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Along with this, the “promised land” vigilantly monitors the peaceful and not so peaceful nuclear power of its neighbors and, if necessary, does not hesitate to bomb the nuclear centers of other countries - as was the case with Iraq in 1981. According to rumors, Israel has every opportunity to create a nuclear bomb since 1979, when light flashes suspiciously similar to nuclear explosions were recorded in the South Atlantic. It is assumed that either Israel, or South Africa, or both of these states together are responsible for this test.
Number of nuclear warheads: 120-130
First test: 1974
Last test: 1998
Despite successfully detonating a nuclear charge back in 1974, India officially recognized itself as a nuclear power only at the end of the last century. True, having detonated three nuclear devices in May 1998, just two days after that India announced its refusal to further tests.
Number of nuclear warheads: 130-140
First test: 1998
Last test: 1998
It is no wonder that India and Pakistan, having a common border and being in a state of permanent unfriendliness, strive to overtake and surpass their neighbor - including in the nuclear field. After the Indian bombing of 1974, it was only a matter of time before Islamabad developed its own. As the then Prime Minister of Pakistan said: “If India builds its own nuclear weapons, we will make ours, even if we have to eat grass.” And they did it, albeit twenty years late.
After India conducted tests in 1998, Pakistan promptly carried out its own, detonating several nuclear bombs at the Chagai test site.
Number of nuclear warheads: 215
First test: 1952
Last test: 1991
Great Britain is the only country of the nuclear five that has not conducted tests on its territory. The British preferred to carry out all nuclear explosions in Australia and the Pacific Ocean, but since 1991 it was decided to stop them. True, in 2015, David Cameron gave in to the fire, admitting that England was ready to drop a bomb or two if necessary. But he didn’t say who exactly.
Number of nuclear warheads: 270
First test: 1964
Last test: 1996
China is the only country that has committed not to launch (or threaten to launch) nuclear strikes on non-nuclear-weapon states. And at the beginning of 2011, China announced that it would maintain its weapons only at a minimum sufficient level. However, since then, China's defense industry has invented four types of new ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads. So the question of the exact quantitative expression of this “minimum level” remains open.
Number of nuclear warheads: 300
First test: 1960
Last test: 1995
In total, France conducted more than two hundred nuclear weapons tests - from an explosion in the then French colony of Algeria to two atolls in French Polynesia.
Interestingly, France has consistently refused to take part in the peace initiatives of others nuclear countries. It did not join the moratorium on nuclear testing in the late 50s of the last century, did not sign the treaty banning military nuclear tests in the 60s, and joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty only in the early 90s.
Number of nuclear warheads: 6800
First test: 1945
Last test: 1992
The country that possesses it is also the first power to carry out a nuclear explosion, and the first and only one to date to use nuclear weapons in a combat situation. Since then, the United States has produced 66.5 thousand atomic weapons of more than 100 different modifications. The bulk of US nuclear weapons are submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Interestingly, the United States (like Russia) refused to participate in the negotiations on the complete renunciation of nuclear weapons that began in the spring of 2017.
US military doctrine states that America retains enough weapons to guarantee both its own security and the security of its allies. In addition, the United States promised not to strike non-nuclear states if they comply with the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
1. Russia
Number of nuclear warheads: 7000
First test: 1949
Last test: 1990
Russia inherited some of its nuclear weapons after the collapse of the USSR - existing nuclear warheads were removed from the military bases of the former Soviet republics. According to the Russian military, they may decide to use nuclear weapons in response to similar actions. Or in case of strikes with conventional weapons, as a result of which the very existence of Russia will be threatened.
Will there be a nuclear war between North Korea and the United States?
If at the end of the last century the main source of fears of a nuclear war was the strained relations between India and Pakistan, then the main horror story of this century is the nuclear confrontation between the DPRK and the United States. Threatening North Korea with nuclear strikes has been a good US tradition since 1953, but with the advent of the DPRK's own atomic bombs, the situation reached a new level. Relations between Pyongyang and Washington are tense to the limit. Will there be a nuclear war between North Korea and the United States? It is possible and will be if Trump decides that the North Koreans need to be stopped before they have time to create intercontinental missiles that are guaranteed to reach the west coast of the world stronghold of democracy.
The United States has kept nuclear weapons near the borders of the DPRK since 1957. And a Korean diplomat says the entire continental US is now within range of North Korea's nuclear weapons.
What will happen to Russia if a war breaks out between North Korea and the United States? There is no military clause in the agreement signed between Russia and the DPRK. This means that when war starts, Russia can remain neutral - of course, strongly condemning the actions of the aggressor. In the worst case scenario for our country, Vladivostok could be covered with radioactive fallout from the destroyed DPRK facilities.
