Several countries possess nuclear weapons, but Donald Trump’s recent announcement has raised concerns as he stated that the United States would resume nuclear testing.
In late October, Trump used his social media platform to declare his intention for the Department of War to restart nuclear testing.
On Truth Social, he posted: “The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.
“This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years.
“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”
Despite Trump’s statement, the U.S. is not regarded as having the largest stockpile of nuclear arms; it ranks among the top three, including Russia and China.
The Federation of American Scientists think tank reports that Russia still holds the largest number of nuclear warheads.
Including retired warheads, that are earmarked to be dismantled:
Furthermore, according to the Independent, neither Russia nor China has conducted a nuclear test in over two decades. Russia’s last known test occurred in 1990, while China’s last test was in 1996.
Heightened tensions between the U.S. and Russia are believed to be a factor in why Trump has called for immediate testing.
However, other countries also possess nuclear weapons, though significantly fewer than the U.S.
The other nations are:
According to the Federation of American Scientists, there were approximately 12,241 warheads across nine countries at the start of 2025.
In Europe, France possesses the most nuclear weapons, with a majority on submarines and the rest on air-launched missiles.
The UK’s nuclear arsenal is sea-based, with the country having conducted 45 nuclear tests since World War II.
India and Pakistan have long been engaged in an arms race, and tensions between them often raise fears of nuclear conflict.
While Israel has not officially confirmed possessing nuclear weapons, it maintains a policy of ‘nuclear ambiguity’ and has not conducted any nuclear tests.
North Korea frequently boasts about its nuclear capabilities, although it has the smallest stockpile. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, has continually vowed to expand this arsenal.