Global nuclear arms race becomes highly technological

A new nuclear arms race is underway as major nuclear powers modernize their arsenals, according to a report released today by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The United States and Russia, holding about 90% of the world's nuclear reserves, are updating existing weapons and adding new ones. China is rapidly increasing its arsenal, potentially reaching 1,000 warheads within a decade, while other nations are also developing new weapons. This arms race will be "highly technological," involving space and cyberspace, with artificial intelligence playing a significant role in the control and guidance of nuclear weapons. SIPRI estimates a total of 12,241 warheads globally as of January 2025.