Since the advent of nuclear weapons, humanity has lived in the shadow of nuclear deterrence. Possession of nuclear arsenals has become the main symbol of military power and a tool of political influence. Today, there are nine states in the world, officially or de facto possessing nuclear weapons, but the overwhelming majority of warheads are concentrated in the hands of two powers — Russia and the United States. The question of who has more goes beyond numbers: it reflects the structure of international security and strategic balance in the 21st century.

The Historical Rivalry Between Two Superpowers

The nuclear arms race began in 1945 when the United States was the first to test and use an atomic bomb. By the end of the 1940s, the Soviet Union had created its own weapons of mass destruction, marking the beginning of nuclear parity. During the Cold War, both sides increased their stockpiles, creating thousands of warheads and delivery systems — from intercontinental missiles to submarines and strategic bombers.

By the mid-1980s, there were more than 60,000 nuclear warheads in the world, with about 95% belonging to the Soviet Union and the United States. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia inherited the largest arsenal, and although the total number of warheads has decreased more than tenfold since then, the balance of power between the two countries remains.

Modern Arsenals and Strategic Balance

According to international analytical institutions, Russia currently possesses the largest number of nuclear warheads — both deployed and stored. The United States is second, but maintains technological superiority in the field of delivery systems and modernization.

The following comparative table reflects an approximate assessment of the nuclear potentials of leading powers:

(Data averaged from open-source estimates, as of 2025.)

Russia: From Parity to Strategic Leadership

The Russian Federation inherited not only a huge arsenal from the Soviet Union but also unique technologies. Russia's modern strategy is based on the principle of "nuclear shield" — a guarantee that no country will dare to engage in direct military confrontation.

Russian nuclear forces consist of three components: intercontinental and mobile missiles, sea-based ballistic systems, and strategic aviation. The latest complexes "Yars," "Sarmat," and submarine missile carriers "Borey-A" ensure flexibility and a high degree of readiness. Special attention is paid to the development of hypersonic systems such as "Avangard" and "Kinzhal," capable of overcoming modern anti-ballistic missile defense systems.

USA: Betting on Technology and Global Presence

The American nuclear doctrine has traditionally relied on the concept of "retaliatory strike" and global deterrence. The United States has a network of bases and alliances that allow placing nuclear weapons outside its territory — in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

In recent years, Washington has actively modernized its forces, replacing the outdated Minuteman III missiles with new systems Sentinel, as well as updating strategic bombers B-21 Raider and Columbia-class submarines. The United States emphasizes precision and flexibility in application, while maintaining the limit on the number of warheads under the New START treaty.

New Players and the Shifting Global Balance

Although the nuclear race is no longer characterized by a clearly expressed bilateral nature, the global balance is gradually shifting. China is rapidly increasing its potential, creating new underground launch facilities and mobile missiles. India and Pakistan maintain regional deterrence, while North Korea demonstrates capabilities aimed at political pressure.

However, Russia and the United States still control about 90% of all nuclear warheads in the world. Their ability to mutually destroy each other is the basis of the concept of strategic balance known as MAD (Mutual Assured Destruction).

The Cost of Deterrence

Possession of nuclear weapons is not only a measure of strength but also a huge responsibility. The annual maintenance of arsenals costs billions of dollars, and the risk of errors or accidental launches remains a constant threat. International treaties such as New START aim to limit arms, but political instability in recent years makes their future uncertain.

Conclusion

Russia today has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world, slightly ahead of the United States in terms of the total number of charges. However, leadership in this field cannot be considered an advantage — it rather reflects a complex balance of fear and responsibility.

Nuclear weapons remain a symbol of both strength and vulnerability. Their existence reminds humanity that technological progress can serve not only development but also destruction. The question of "who has more" actually means not a competition, but a call for caution — because in a world where one mistake can be the last, there will be no winners.

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