SIPRI raises concerns about the growing prominence of nuclear weapons in international relations.

Nuclear-armed states like the US, Russia, Britain, and China continue to modernize their arsenals due to geopolitical tensions.

In 2023, nine nuclear-armed states significantly increased spending on nuclear weapons, with a total expenditure of $91.4 billion.

Russia and Belarus conducted military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons.

The majority of nuclear weapons spending in 2023 was by the United States.

SIPRI notes an increase in operational nuclear warheads, particularly in Russia and the US, while transparency on nuclear forces is decreasing.

India, Pakistan, and North Korea are working on deploying multiple nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles.

Global inventory of nuclear warheads remains high despite efforts to reduce arsenals, indicating potential for rapid escalation.

SIPRI emphasizes the need for renewed efforts towards nuclear disarmament and arms control.

World leaders are urged to address the escalating nuclear arms race and provide accurate and updated information on nuclear forces.