Nuclear states at a glance

updated 12:13 a.m. ET Oct. 9, 2006

North Korea announced Monday that it has tested a nuclear weapon, a claim that if true formally makes it the ninth nation known or generally thought to possess such arms. A glance at the world’s nuclear weapons states and their stockpiles, based on estimates compiled from different sources:

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North Korea
Believed to have enough fissile material for a half-dozen weapons, but estimates vary widely and are unverifiable.

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The United States
More than 5,000 strategic warheads, more than 1,000 operational tactical weapons — meant for the battlefield and less powerful than the strategic arms — and approximately 3,000 reserve and tactical warheads.

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Russia
Nearly 5,000 strategic warheads, and approximately 3,500 operational tactical warheads. In addition, it has more than 11,000 strategic and tactical warheads in storage.

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France
Approximately 350 strategic warheads.

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China
As many as 250 strategic warheads and 150 tactical warheads.

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Britain
About 200 strategic warheads.

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India
Between 45 and 95 nuclear warheads.

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Pakistan
Between 30 and 50 nuclear warheads.

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Israel
Refuses to confirm it is a nuclear weapons state but is generally assumed to have up to 200 nuclear warheads.


Sources: Arms Control Association; Nuclear Threat Initiative.

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