N-powers’ arsenal: a snapshot

Published October 10, 2006

A glance at the world’s nuclear weapons states and their stockpiles, based on estimates compiled from different sources:

North Korea: Believed to have enough fissile material for about a half-dozen weapons, but estimates vary widely and are unverifiable.

The United States: More than 5,000 strategic warheads, more than 1,000 operational tactical weapons _ meant for the battlefield and less powerful than the strategic arms _ and approximately 3,000 reserve and tactical warheads.

Russia: Nearly 5,000 strategic warheads, and approximately 3,500 operational tactical warheads. In addition, it has more than 11,000 strategic and tactical warheads in storage.

France: Approximately 350 strategic warheads.

China: As many as 250 strategic warheads and 150 tactical warheads.

Britain: About 200 strategic warheads.

India: Between 45 and 95 nuclear warheads.

Pakistan: Between 30 and 50 nuclear warheads.

Israel: Refuses to confirm it is a nuclear weapons state but is generally assumed to have up to 200 nuclear warheads.—AP

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...