SIPRI says nuclear-armed states are expanding and modernising arsenals as escalation risks and arms control pressures grow
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has released its SIPRI Yearbook 2026, warning that states are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons as instruments of national power.
Sandia completes W88 Alteration 370 warhead production as U.S. nuclear stockpile enters new sustainment phase
Sandia National Laboratories and the nuclear security enterprise have completed production of the W88 Alteration 370.
Russia plans to modernise nuclear forces and defence industry under 2027–2036 State Armament Programme
Russia’s state armament programme for 2027–2036 provides for modernising the nuclear triad and building an all-embracing air defence system.
U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration completes final production unit of W88 warhead upgrade
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration has completed the Last Production Unit of the W88 Alteration 370 programme.
France advances nuclear deterrence modernisation with successful ASMPA-R test and new M51.3 deployment
A Rafale M carrier-based fighter conducted a successful test launch of the ASMPA-R medium-range air-to-ground missile on 13 November.
U.S. nuclear weapons tests will not involve explosions, Energy Secretary confirms
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has confirmed that the weapons testing recently ordered by former President Donald Trump will not involve any nuclear detonations.
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing amid tensions with Russia and China
Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. Department of War to begin nuclear weapons testing, saying the move is necessary to match the capabilities of Russia and China.
Russia tests full nuclear triad during Thunder strategic drills including submarine missile launch
Russia conducted its annual strategic military exercise, codenamed Thunder, on 22 October, testing the effectiveness of its entire nuclear command chain from order issuance to weapon deployment.
CRS report reviews U.S. nuclear weapons test moratorium, treaty challenges, and future policy debates
A new report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS), updated August 18, 2025, outlines the status of U.S. nuclear weapons testing, highlighting the nation’s continued adherence to a testing moratorium since 1992.
U.S. Air Force deploys B61-12 nuclear bravity bombs to UK, media reports say
The United States has reportedly transferred several B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bombs to the United Kingdom, marking the first such deployment since their withdrawal from British soil in 2008.
SIPRI report highlights growing nuclear threat as modernisation accelerates and arms control weakens
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its Yearbook 2025, warning that a new and dangerous nuclear arms race is taking shape amid a widespread weakening of arms control frameworks.
Defending the triad: sustaining the nuclear sea leg
The Defense Logistics Agency has helped sustain the “sea leg” of the U.S. nuclear triad since the Cold War began. It is one of the agency’s first and most continuous efforts directly supporting the nation’s defense.