Global nuclear arsenals increasing, Sipri report finds

The world's nuclear arsenals are growing and being modernized, reversing decades of progress in disarmament, according to the latest yearbook from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri).

Sipri's findings indicate a concerning trend, with the number of operational nuclear warheads increasing globally. While the exact figures are not detailed in the provided text, the report explicitly states that the overall number of nuclear weapons is rising. This marks a significant departure from the post-Cold War efforts to reduce nuclear stockpiles.

China is highlighted as the nation expanding its nuclear arsenal at the most rapid pace. The report also notes that all nuclear-armed states are modernizing their weapons, suggesting a new arms race is underway. This modernization includes developing new delivery systems and potentially new types of nuclear weapons.

The Sipri report issues a stark warning about the potential for nuclear escalation. The increasing number of weapons, coupled with modernization efforts and ongoing geopolitical tensions, heightens the risk of these devastating weapons being used. The institute emphasizes that the long-term trend toward nuclear disarmament is now seriously threatened.