Global spending on nuclear arsenals surged by 19 percent in 2025, reaching a total of approximately $110 billion (1.2 trillion NOK) annually. According to a report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the increase is driven primarily by modernization programs in the United States, even as the collapse of major arms control treaties fuels renewed international tensions.
Why is global nuclear spending rising?
The rise in nuclear expenditure follows the expiration of the final strategic arms control agreement between the United States and Russia. ICAN reports that the nine nations possessing nuclear weapons are currently prioritizing development, maintenance, and modernization over disarmament. While the global total rose significantly, the trends differ by country. The United States accounts for the largest share of the increase, having boosted investment by roughly 190 billion NOK between 2024 and 2025. Conversely, Russia’s nuclear spending saw a slight decline, which ICAN attributes to domestic economic constraints rather than a strategic shift away from nuclear reliance.
The United States has moved to restart nuclear weapons testing for the first time in over 30 years under the direction of Donald Trump, signaling a shift in long-standing nuclear policies.
How are international tensions escalating?
The risk of nuclear escalation remains a focal point of current geopolitical rhetoric. On Tuesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated via the state-controlled Tass news agency that Russia is “constantly prepared to use all available means, including nuclear weapons,” to ensure national security. This rhetoric is framed by the Kremlin as a response to NATO’s military buildup near Russian borders. ICAN argues that these investments in nuclear infrastructure represent a move toward “building tools to eradicate humanity” rather than ensuring stability.
Comparison: Nuclear Expenditure Trends
| Nation/Group | Spending Trend |
|---|---|
| United States | Significant increase (Modernization focus) |
| Russia | Slight decrease (Economic constraints) |
What are the consequences of ending arms control?
The expiration of the U.S.-Russia strategic treaty has removed the primary framework for transparency and limitation. Without these guardrails, military analysts observe a return to a “modernization race” where states prioritize the longevity and lethality of their current stockpiles. Unlike the Cold War era, where bilateral treaties were the norm, the current landscape involves more complex interactions between nine separate nuclear-armed states, making multilateral control increasingly difficult to achieve.
Follow official updates from the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to track the status of international treaties and non-proliferation efforts in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which countries currently possess nuclear weapons?
There are nine recognized nuclear-armed states: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. - Why did Russia’s nuclear spending drop?
According to ICAN, the decline is due to internal economic challenges rather than a policy shift toward disarmament. - What is the role of ICAN?
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons is a global coalition working to promote adherence to and full implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
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