Global Nuclear Weapons Spending Hits Record High

Global spending on nuclear weapons surged to a record high in 2025, with the world’s nine nuclear-armed states collectively spending nearly $119 billion, according to a new study released on Tuesday.

The report, published by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, found that spending on nuclear arsenals increased by nearly $17 billion, or around 20 percent, compared with the previous year.

Campaigners warned that the sharp rise signals the emergence of a renewed global nuclear arms race, with governments planning to continue large-scale investments in nuclear weapons programmes for decades.

The study said rising geopolitical tensions and expanding military modernisation efforts are driving increased spending among nuclear powers, despite long-standing global concerns over disarmament and security risks.

According to the report, the growing financial commitment to nuclear arsenals comes at a time when many countries are also facing mounting economic challenges and competing demands for spending on healthcare, climate action and social development.

The campaign group cautioned that continued expansion of nuclear capabilities could deepen global instability and undermine international efforts aimed at reducing nuclear threats.