Asian nuclear powers expand arsenals as China adds warheads: SIPRI

China increased its nuclear warhead stockpile by 20 to reach 620 weapons in 2025, loading hundreds of missiles into silo fields in the country's north while working to complete 30 additional launch facilities in the east, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said in its latest yearbook released Monday. Beijing could potentially possess at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as either Russia or the United States by the turn of the decade, though its total stockpile would still amount to only about one quarter of theirs, according to the Swedish think tank. The report stated that China “might have” increased the number of warheads deployed with operational forces during the past year, adding that Beijing's arsenal is expected to “keep growing over the coming decade.”

South Asian rivalry

India is believed to have slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2025 while continuing development of new delivery systems increasingly focused on long-range weapons capable of striking targets throughout China, although planning continues to address threats from Pakistan, the institute noted. Pakistan continued developing new delivery systems and accumulating fissile material throughout 2025, suggesting its arsenal might expand over the coming decade. The brief armed conflict between the longtime rivals in May 2025 saw India attacking Pakistani air- and missile bases likely to hold nuclear-related roles, though both sides took steps to avoid escalation.

Korean peninsula and disarmament

North Korea continues developing its nuclear capabilities to fulfill its stated goal of “exponentially” expanding its arsenal, SIPRI said. The country has possibly assembled around 60 warheads and possesses enough fissile material to produce at least 30 more while accelerating production. The think tank warned that major powers were “walking away” from disarmament commitments.