At a time when the world is embroiled in numerous conflicts, concerns over growing nuclear arsenal have compounded.&nbsp;Now, a new report has thrown light on how China is reportedly expanding its nuclear weapons programme across seven major sites, despite calling for non-proliferation.&nbsp;According to an investigation by the Telegraph, one of the key sites is the Pingtong nuclear facility where the triggers for nuclear warheads are manufactured.&nbsp;Citing satellite imagery, the report claimed that the site has vastly expanded to include a support town, ventilation shacks and chemical storage tanks.&nbsp;In case of the Guangyuan facility, new plants have reportedly come up to handle nuclear waste remediation and long-term storage.&nbsp;Also, the report claims that China's most advanced nuclear fusion research centre has come up at Miangyang.&nbsp;Additionally, a shock tube test site has reportedly been added to the Zitong nuclear weapons complex.&nbsp;This is not all.&nbsp;More test sites are allegedly under development at Lop Nur, where China's first nuclear test was conducted in 1964.&nbsp;The report also flagged fresh construction at the nuclear sites of Jiquan and Jinta.&nbsp;At a time when the world's two superpowers are vying for dominance in every arena, it is worth noting that the Chinese president had demanded a ban on nuclear weapons nine years ago.&nbsp;China, which has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, maintains a no-first-use nuclear policy.&nbsp;Beijing has repeatedly stressed that it is not engaging in an arms race with any country.&nbsp;However, a recent report from SIPRI suggests that China's nuclear stockpile has more than doubled under Xi's tenure as president, reaching an estimated 620 warheads.&nbsp;While this is still much below U.S. and Russia, the report indicated that China's ICBM arsenal could reach parity with both nuclear powers by the end of this decade.&nbsp;In November last year, Trump stirred a hornet's nest when he instructed U.S. Department of War to begin testing nuclear weapons.&nbsp;He justified this move by accusing China, Russia and Pakistan of conducting clandestine tests.

Beijing has repeatedly stressed that it is not engaging in an arms race with any country. However, a recent report from SIPRI suggests that China's nuclear stockpile has more than doubled under Xi's tenure as president, reaching an estimated 620 warheads.

At a time when the world is embroiled in numerous conflicts, concerns over growing nuclear arsenal have compounded. Now, a new report has thrown light on how China is reportedly expanding its nuclear weapons programme across seven major sites, despite calling for non-proliferation. According to an investigation by the Telegraph, one of the key sites is the Pingtong nuclear facility where the triggers for nuclear warheads are manufactured. Citing satellite imagery, the report claimed that the site has vastly expanded to include a support town, ventilation shacks and chemical storage tanks. In case of the Guangyuan facility, new plants have reportedly come up to handle nuclear waste remediation and long-term storage. Also, the report claims that China's most advanced nuclear fusion research centre has come up at Miangyang. Additionally, a shock tube test site has reportedly been added to the Zitong nuclear weapons complex. This is not all. More test sites are allegedly under development at Lop Nur, where China's first nuclear test was conducted in 1964. The report also flagged fresh construction at the nuclear sites of Jiquan and Jinta. At a time when the world's two superpowers are vying for dominance in every arena, it is worth noting that the Chinese president had demanded a ban on nuclear weapons nine years ago. China, which has signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, maintains a no-first-use nuclear policy. Beijing has repeatedly stressed that it is not engaging in an arms race with any country. However, a recent report from SIPRI suggests that China's nuclear stockpile has more than doubled under Xi's tenure as president, reaching an estimated 620 warheads. While this is still much below U.S. and Russia, the report indicated that China's ICBM arsenal could reach parity with both nuclear powers by the end of this decade. In November last year, Trump stirred a hornet's nest when he instructed U.S. Department of War to begin testing nuclear weapons. He justified this move by accusing China, Russia and Pakistan of conducting clandestine tests.

Beijing has repeatedly stressed that it is not engaging in an arms race with any country. However, a recent report from SIPRI suggests that China's nuclear stockpile has more than doubled under Xi's tenure as president, reaching an estimated 620 warheads.

Secret sites in China reveal Xi's nuclear aggression | Gravitas

China has been vastly expanding its nuclear arsenal, adding at least seven nuclear test and construction facilities in recent months. A report by the Daily Telegraph, based on an analysis of satellite imagery, shows that the Chinese countryside has been filled with huge networks of infrastructure and testing sites. President Xi Jinping has often claimed that he is in favour of scaling back on the nukes, but the latest report presents a different picture.&nbsp;Describing what the satellites captured in China, the report states that an entire town came up around a nuclear facility in one place, complete with apartments, a staff bus depot and playing fields. Another site has a 2,000-foot tube inside which Beijing reportedly tests the effects of an attack on its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a third site, scientists are believed to be studying the effects of a nuclear blast using high-tech lasers. Beijing apparently razed multiple villages and farming communities to make space for these nuclear facilities.<h2>China's official stand on nuclear weapons</h2>Xi Jinping has openly called for nuclear non-proliferation initiatives, but the country still continues to test more nuclear weapons. China is also a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and also has a "no first use" policy. But despite this, its nuclear arsenal has expanded under Xi since he took over in 2012.<h2>China's growing nuclear arsenal</h2>Under him, China's nuclear arsenal has doubled, and as of January 2025, the country had 620 warheads in its stockpile. Experts estimate that at the current rate, this number will reach 1,500 by 2035, The Telegraph report stated. Several of them are capable of covering extreme distances, with a range of nearly 15,000 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US and Russia still hold the largest stockpiles of nukes, with the former having about 5,300 warheads and Moscow about 5,500 warheads.&nbsp;China has a diverse stockpile of nukes that can be launched from land, submarines, and aircraft. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the country spent an estimated $12.4 billion on its nuclear ambitions in 2024.<h2>Xi Jinping in US</h2>Xi Jinping is in the United States for a three-day visit where he will be meeting Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to broach the topic of nuclear weapons, especially since the American president has also ordered the expansion of the country's arsenal. "Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," he wrote on Truth Social last year.

China is accelerating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, adding several facilities in various locations, an analysis has found. They are like small towns with all the basic amenities, such as bus stops and fields. The report comes as Xi Jinping is in the US for a state visit.    

China has been vastly expanding its nuclear arsenal, adding at least seven nuclear test and construction facilities in recent months. A report by the Daily Telegraph, based on an analysis of satellite imagery, shows that the Chinese countryside has been filled with huge networks of infrastructure and testing sites. President Xi Jinping has often claimed that he is in favour of scaling back on the nukes, but the latest report presents a different picture. Describing what the satellites captured in China, the report states that an entire town came up around a nuclear facility in one place, complete with apartments, a staff bus depot and playing fields. Another site has a 2,000-foot tube inside which Beijing reportedly tests the effects of an attack on its nuclear weapons. At a third site, scientists are believed to be studying the effects of a nuclear blast using high-tech lasers. Beijing apparently razed multiple villages and farming communities to make space for these nuclear facilities. China's official stand on nuclear weapons Xi Jinping has openly called for nuclear non-proliferation initiatives, but the country still continues to test more nuclear weapons. China is also a signatory to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and also has a "no first use" policy. But despite this, its nuclear arsenal has expanded under Xi since he took over in 2012. China's growing nuclear arsenal Under him, China's nuclear arsenal has doubled, and as of January 2025, the country had 620 warheads in its stockpile. Experts estimate that at the current rate, this number will reach 1,500 by 2035, The Telegraph report stated. Several of them are capable of covering extreme distances, with a range of nearly 15,000 kilometres. Meanwhile, the US and Russia still hold the largest stockpiles of nukes, with the former having about 5,300 warheads and Moscow about 5,500 warheads. China has a diverse stockpile of nukes that can be launched from land, submarines, and aircraft. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the country spent an estimated $12.4 billion on its nuclear ambitions in 2024. Xi Jinping in US Xi Jinping is in the United States for a three-day visit where he will be meeting Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to broach the topic of nuclear weapons, especially since the American president has also ordered the expansion of the country's arsenal. "Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," he wrote on Truth Social last year.

China is accelerating the expansion of its nuclear arsenal, adding several facilities in various locations, an analysis has found. They are like small towns with all the basic amenities, such as bus stops and fields. The report comes as Xi Jinping is in the US for a state visit. &nbsp; &nbsp;

2,000-foot tube, laser tests and more: China builds towns to expand nuclear arsenal, satellite images show

China has renewed its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, with its ambassador to Russia claiming that Tokyo possesses enough plutonium to theoretically produce thousands of nuclear warheads.In an article published by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said Japan had 44.4 tonnes of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel as of the end of 2024. He claimed the stockpile could be used to manufacture around 5,500 nuclear warheads.The ambassador also said Japan's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities contained another 191 tonnes of unextracted plutonium.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-s-trip-to-the-kuril-islands-reopens-an-80-year-old-wound-japan-strongly-protests-visit-here-s-why-1786602764127">Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands reopens an 80-year-old wound; Japan 'strongly protests visit'. Here's why</a><h2>China raises concerns over Japan's nuclear capability</h2>Zhang described Japan as the only non-nuclear signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with spent nuclear fuel recycling technology capable of extracting weapons-grade plutonium."If Japan has the will and the necessary capabilities, its transformation into a nuclear power no longer looks like a fantasy," he said.At the same time, Zhang acknowledged Japan's longstanding Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1971. The principles state that Japan will not possess, produce, or allow the introduction of nuclear weapons.The remarks come amid worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo and growing Chinese criticism of Japan's expanding defence capabilities.<h2>China has raised the issue before</h2>The plutonium figure is not new to China's recent criticism of Japan.In March 2026, PLA Daily, the official newspaper of China's People's Liberation Army, also cited the figure of 44.4 tonnes of separated plutonium and said it could theoretically support the production of around 5,500 nuclear warheads.The report accused Japan of using civilian technology and industrial capacity to build the foundations for a major shift in its defence policy.It also pointed to Japan's growing investment in advanced military technology, including long-range weapons, missile defence and other defence-related systems.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/582-tonnes-150-million-c-60-years-wion-decodes-the-mind-boggling-numbers-behind-china-s-new-artificial-sun-magnet-1785312316534">582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'</a><h2>Japan's defence expansion draws Chinese scrutiny</h2>PLA Daily argued that Japan's military expansion had moved beyond what Beijing considered a purely defensive posture. It cited increased defence-related contracts involving major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI.The report also highlighted Japan's cooperation with the US on systems such as F-35A fighter jets and SM-3 Block IIA missiles.Tensions have intensified as Japan has expanded its defence capabilities and expressed growing concern about China's military activities, particularly around Taiwan. Tokyo, meanwhile, has criticised Beijing over what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding China's rising defence spending and expanding military capabilities.<h2>What Japan said on nuclear proliferation</h2>In April 2026, at a review conference of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Tomiko Ichikawa, Japan's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, rebutted China's claim by saying that "the introduction of nuclear weapons (by Japan) is not permitted" under the three nonnuclear principles.Ichikawa emphasised that “Japan has been limiting its research, development and use of nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes.”Japan “will continue to work closely with the international community to realize a world without nuclear weapons” and “will continue to advance realistic and practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime,” she said.

China has revived its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, citing Tokyo's large plutonium stockpile and advanced fuel-recycling capabilities. Beijing says the combination could give Japan the ability to rapidly move towards nuclear weapons if its policy were ever to change.

China has renewed its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, with its ambassador to Russia claiming that Tokyo possesses enough plutonium to theoretically produce thousands of nuclear warheads. In an article published by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said Japan had 44.4 tonnes of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel as of the end of 2024. He claimed the stockpile could be used to manufacture around 5,500 nuclear warheads. The ambassador also said Japan's spent nuclear fuel storage facilities contained another 191 tonnes of unextracted plutonium. Also read | Putin’s trip to the Kuril Islands reopens an 80-year-old wound; Japan 'strongly protests visit'. Here's why China raises concerns over Japan's nuclear capability Zhang described Japan as the only non-nuclear signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with spent nuclear fuel recycling technology capable of extracting weapons-grade plutonium. "If Japan has the will and the necessary capabilities, its transformation into a nuclear power no longer looks like a fantasy," he said. At the same time, Zhang acknowledged Japan's longstanding Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1971. The principles state that Japan will not possess, produce, or allow the introduction of nuclear weapons. The remarks come amid worsening relations between Beijing and Tokyo and growing Chinese criticism of Japan's expanding defence capabilities. China has raised the issue before The plutonium figure is not new to China's recent criticism of Japan. In March 2026, PLA Daily, the official newspaper of China's People's Liberation Army, also cited the figure of 44.4 tonnes of separated plutonium and said it could theoretically support the production of around 5,500 nuclear warheads. The report accused Japan of using civilian technology and industrial capacity to build the foundations for a major shift in its defence policy. It also pointed to Japan's growing investment in advanced military technology, including long-range weapons, missile defence and other defence-related systems. Also read | 582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun' Japan's defence expansion draws Chinese scrutiny PLA Daily argued that Japan's military expansion had moved beyond what Beijing considered a purely defensive posture. It cited increased defence-related contracts involving major Japanese companies, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI. The report also highlighted Japan's cooperation with the US on systems such as F-35A fighter jets and SM-3 Block IIA missiles. Tensions have intensified as Japan has expanded its defence capabilities and expressed growing concern about China's military activities, particularly around Taiwan. Tokyo, meanwhile, has criticised Beijing over what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding China's rising defence spending and expanding military capabilities. What Japan said on nuclear proliferation In April 2026, at a review conference of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) Tomiko Ichikawa, Japan's ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, rebutted China's claim by saying that "the introduction of nuclear weapons (by Japan) is not permitted" under the three nonnuclear principles. Ichikawa emphasised that “Japan has been limiting its research, development and use of nuclear energy exclusively for peaceful purposes.” Japan “will continue to work closely with the international community to realize a world without nuclear weapons” and “will continue to advance realistic and practical efforts to maintain and strengthen the NPT regime,” she said.

China has revived its warnings about Japan's nuclear potential, citing Tokyo's large plutonium stockpile and advanced fuel-recycling capabilities. Beijing says the combination could give Japan the ability to rapidly move towards nuclear weapons if its policy were ever to change.

'No longer a fantasy': China claims Japan has enough plutonium for 5,500 nuclear warheads

Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing with a solemn peace ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. The commemoration comes as Japan simultaneously undertakes its largest defense buildup since World War II in response to growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea, highlighting the country's delicate balance between peace and national security.

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

Preparing for a probable long-term strategic shift, the US Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that prepares for the potential use of shorter-range tactical weapons in a regional war against China or Russia. The Defense Department policy chief Elbridge Colby is reportedly drafting a nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia or China, reported NBC News.&nbsp;The strategy will underline the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons in the event of a territorial dispute.&nbsp;The tactics shared with NBC News by five people familiar with the matter reflect internal planning rather than an adopted policy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-deal-with-oman-being-finalised-iran-s-foreign-ministry-1785945741501">Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry</a>&nbsp;Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. Sources said the strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.&nbsp;The new strategy will primarily focus on any probable regional confrontations with Russia and China, which Washington regards as its principal nuclear rivals.&nbsp;The strategizing is being overseen by Elbridge Colby, the deputy secretary of defense for policy, who played a key role in halting US military aid to Ukraine and in reshaping the American military presence in Europe.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-army-discards-whatsapp-over-spying-and-data-breach-fears-switches-to-china-s-wechat-1785933108236">Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat</a><h2>New plan to favour larger role for tactical nuclear weapons</h2>&nbsp;Colby is in favour of a larger role for tactical nuclear weapons in a shift from the current approach that relies on long-range strategic systems to destroy an enemy’s nuclear forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;He argues that adversaries already understand that the US is prepared to use such weapons.&nbsp;However, the approach has unsettled some specialists, who are of the view that the tactic could weaken deterrence by making the threat of a large-scale nuclear strike appear less credible. They also warned it might leave US forces less prepared for a full nuclear exchange in certain scenarios.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/munir-protege-mohsin-naqvi-s-claim-of-unearthing-huge-scam-triggers-tremors-in-pakistan-s-power-corridors-1785869067161">Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors</a>&nbsp;Colby was due to present his proposals on Wednesday at a closed military event in Nebraska during a visit to US Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear forces.The strategy also seems to be at odds with President Donald Trump’s stated goal “that we should make our nuclear deterrence system great again,” which implies that he wants more deterrence capabilities, not fewer.&nbsp;<h2>130 bodies on watchlist of US Defense Department</h2>&nbsp;The Defense Department’s watchlist names 130 organisations and institutions across China, Russia, and Iran whose activities it considers a threat to US national security.The reassessment gains urgency since the last strategic arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow lapsed in February 2026.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump and his administration have earlier signalled that they were weighing the deployment of additional nuclear weapons and some form of nuclear testing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/organised-groups-turned-students-stir-into-violent-protest-says-sheikh-hasina-1785936691644">‘Organised groups turned students’ stir into violent protest,’ says Sheikh Hasina</a><h2>NATO members evince interest in hosting US nuclear weapons</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, several eastern-flank NATO members, including Poland and the Baltic states, have shown interest in hosting US nuclear weapons.Earlier decisions to cancel planned deployments and redirect military assets unsettled some European nations, which fear gaps in the deterrence and have started making autonomous arrangements, like Norway’s move to join France's nuclear umbrella.&nbsp;The Pentagon previously cautioned that the US faces two major nuclear rivals at the same time in China and Russia. Moreover, China is receiving training, intelligence and advanced military technology from Russia as it helps Moscow in the war against Ukraine.

Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. The strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.

Preparing for a probable long-term strategic shift, the US Department of Defense is drafting a new nuclear strategy that prepares for the potential use of shorter-range tactical weapons in a regional war against China or Russia. The Defense Department policy chief Elbridge Colby is reportedly drafting a nuclear weapons strategy to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia or China, reported NBC News. The strategy will underline the possible use of shorter-range tactical weapons in the event of a territorial dispute. The tactics shared with NBC News by five people familiar with the matter reflect internal planning rather than an adopted policy. Also Read: Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. Sources said the strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict. The new strategy will primarily focus on any probable regional confrontations with Russia and China, which Washington regards as its principal nuclear rivals. The strategizing is being overseen by Elbridge Colby, the deputy secretary of defense for policy, who played a key role in halting US military aid to Ukraine and in reshaping the American military presence in Europe. Also Read: Pakistan Army discards WhatsApp over spying and data breach fears, switches to China’s WeChat New plan to favour larger role for tactical nuclear weapons Colby is in favour of a larger role for tactical nuclear weapons in a shift from the current approach that relies on long-range strategic systems to destroy an enemy’s nuclear forces. He argues that adversaries already understand that the US is prepared to use such weapons. However, the approach has unsettled some specialists, who are of the view that the tactic could weaken deterrence by making the threat of a large-scale nuclear strike appear less credible. They also warned it might leave US forces less prepared for a full nuclear exchange in certain scenarios. Also Read: Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors Colby was due to present his proposals on Wednesday at a closed military event in Nebraska during a visit to US Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s nuclear forces. The strategy also seems to be at odds with President Donald Trump’s stated goal “that we should make our nuclear deterrence system great again,” which implies that he wants more deterrence capabilities, not fewer. 130 bodies on watchlist of US Defense Department The Defense Department’s watchlist names 130 organisations and institutions across China, Russia, and Iran whose activities it considers a threat to US national security. The reassessment gains urgency since the last strategic arms control treaty between Washington and Moscow lapsed in February 2026. Trump and his administration have earlier signalled that they were weighing the deployment of additional nuclear weapons and some form of nuclear testing. Also Read: ‘Organised groups turned students’ stir into violent protest,’ says Sheikh Hasina NATO members evince interest in hosting US nuclear weapons Meanwhile, several eastern-flank NATO members, including Poland and the Baltic states, have shown interest in hosting US nuclear weapons. Earlier decisions to cancel planned deployments and redirect military assets unsettled some European nations, which fear gaps in the deterrence and have started making autonomous arrangements, like Norway’s move to join France's nuclear umbrella. The Pentagon previously cautioned that the US faces two major nuclear rivals at the same time in China and Russia. Moreover, China is receiving training, intelligence and advanced military technology from Russia as it helps Moscow in the war against Ukraine.

Under the new framework, the retaliatory nuclear options presented to the US president during a crisis would be revised. The strategy would be aimed at preventing a conventional war from escalating into a nuclear one and denying an adversary any advantage in such a conflict.

Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains Washington's top priority, stating that President Donald Trump will never allow Tehran to develop nuclear arms.


Marco Rubio claims US has upper hand over Iran in West Asia war

The Hiroshima atomic bombing created a new material which has only been discovered now, after over 80 years. The horrific event killed more than 70,000 people and changed the world forever. An analysis has revealed a "silicon-rich multicomponent alloy inside a microscopic spherule" from the beach sands of Hiroshima. Known as Hiroshimaites, these fragments of molten debris were created when the explosion triggered temperatures to rise to 7,000 degrees Celsius within seconds.&nbsp;"We report the discovery of a previously unknown alloy preserved within a Hiroshimaite spherule recovered from beach sands of Hiroshima Bay, formed during the 6 August 1945 atomic airburst," the study authors wrote in the journal Science Advances. "It’s a historical fact that these two events did occur and generated conditions comparable in nature to hypervelocity planetary collisions, meteor impacts, and lightning strikes," the team wrote in the paper.<h2>Fireball and the resulting microscopic droplets</h2>Researchers said that the explosion triggered a fireball which comprised vapourised building materials, metals, soil, glass, and water. This fireball then rapidly cooled down into microscopic droplets that settled in the landscape. They are made mainly of calcium-aluminium-silicon glasses that were formed when the temperature reached roughly 1,800 degrees Celsius.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/100km-asteroid-exploded-and-changed-moon-and-earth-800mn-years-ago-1784715305298">100km asteroid exploded in the solar system and changed Moon and Earth 800mn years ago</a>&nbsp;Now scientists have found a new class of "Hiroshimaite materials" that form at an even higher temperature range. They found small droplets of iron-rich alloys, including iron-chromium alloys with varying amounts of nickel, manganese and molybdenum. Present as tiny rounded droplets and irregular grains, the alloys made up only about three per cent of the glass spheres. This mix of local metals was present in the Hiroshima sands when the explosion happened.&nbsp;But one small grain contained far more silicon than the surrounding iron-chromium alloys. It had about 63 per cent iron, 15 per cent chromium, nine per cent nickel, and seven per cent silicon. Such crystals would not form under normal circumstances.&nbsp;The findings show the unexpected way matter can react under extreme temperatures, causing even a new class of materials to form.&nbsp;

The Hiroshima bombing not only changed the world, but it also acted as a catalyst for the formation of a new material. After nearly 81 years, scientists have found a strange material inside the Hiroshimaite on the beaches.

The Hiroshima atomic bombing created a new material which has only been discovered now, after over 80 years. The horrific event killed more than 70,000 people and changed the world forever. An analysis has revealed a "silicon-rich multicomponent alloy inside a microscopic spherule" from the beach sands of Hiroshima. Known as Hiroshimaites, these fragments of molten debris were created when the explosion triggered temperatures to rise to 7,000 degrees Celsius within seconds. "We report the discovery of a previously unknown alloy preserved within a Hiroshimaite spherule recovered from beach sands of Hiroshima Bay, formed during the 6 August 1945 atomic airburst," the study authors wrote in the journal Science Advances. "It’s a historical fact that these two events did occur and generated conditions comparable in nature to hypervelocity planetary collisions, meteor impacts, and lightning strikes," the team wrote in the paper. Fireball and the resulting microscopic droplets Researchers said that the explosion triggered a fireball which comprised vapourised building materials, metals, soil, glass, and water. This fireball then rapidly cooled down into microscopic droplets that settled in the landscape. They are made mainly of calcium-aluminium-silicon glasses that were formed when the temperature reached roughly 1,800 degrees Celsius. Also Read: 100km asteroid exploded in the solar system and changed Moon and Earth 800mn years ago Now scientists have found a new class of "Hiroshimaite materials" that form at an even higher temperature range. They found small droplets of iron-rich alloys, including iron-chromium alloys with varying amounts of nickel, manganese and molybdenum. Present as tiny rounded droplets and irregular grains, the alloys made up only about three per cent of the glass spheres. This mix of local metals was present in the Hiroshima sands when the explosion happened. But one small grain contained far more silicon than the surrounding iron-chromium alloys. It had about 63 per cent iron, 15 per cent chromium, nine per cent nickel, and seven per cent silicon. Such crystals would not form under normal circumstances. The findings show the unexpected way matter can react under extreme temperatures, causing even a new class of materials to form.

The Hiroshima bombing not only changed the world, but it also acted as a catalyst for the formation of a new material. After nearly 81 years, scientists have found a strange material inside the Hiroshimaite on the beaches.

Scientists make a startling discovery about the Hiroshima atomic bombing after nearly 81 years

West Asia's security landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation following the Iran conflict. Saudi Arabia is advancing its civilian nuclear ambitions, Turkey is seeking to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, and regional powers are rapidly reassessing their military strategies and deterrence capabilities. The shifting balance of power has reignited concerns about a possible regional arms race. While Saudi Arabia deepens its strategic ties with the United States and maintains close defense cooperation with Pakistan, Turkey is pushing to regain access to fifth-generation stealth fighters. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain one of the region's most advanced militaries under its long-standing policy of nuclear ambiguity.

West Asia on edge | Iran war sparks fears of Nuclear Arms race as Saudi Arabia and Turkey Rearm

American physicist Laura Grego has warned that an average human being's relationship with space is about to change. It is no longer going to be only of awe for infinite space, where we feel "full of connection with the universe." In an interview with The Guardian, Grego said that humanity has built a "doomsday" system and no one wants to dismantle it. Her message is clear - there is an unseen space and nuclear threat because of military satellites, rapid nuclear timelines, and the thirst to commercially claim space.&nbsp;The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 requires space to remain a peaceful place where no nuclear weapons can be placed. But there is no clarity on using it in other ways militarily. Donald Trump wants to build a Golden Dome focused in space, and there is no rule on using it to send missiles from one part of the world to another. Grego, who is a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said, “Most people don’t know we’ve set up a system that is essentially a doomsday system. And we can dismantle it. We just have not.”<h2>Satellite crowding in space</h2>This has happened in multiple ways. One of them is the number of satellites that will increase in space in the coming years. SpaceX is at the forefront of crowding low-Earth orbit, as out of about 17,600 active satellites currently orbiting Earth, over 9,500 belong to Starlink. The company is applying to launch up to 1 million more.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/declaration-of-space-wars-america-s-latest-weapon-can-jam-enemy-satellites-1783670844841">Declaration of space wars? America's latest weapon can jam enemy satellites</a>&nbsp;"There are plans for tens of thousands more satellites, which would really change your relationship with what you see in the sky," said Grego. She has warned that this dramatic increase will change the human relationship with the night sky, where stargazing will be sidelined, and we will mostly be viewing dense artificial constellations.<h2>Nuclear ‘timeline’ triggers a panic reaction</h2>The nuclear timeline is another problem. Satellites can detect ICBMs on the ground. Once you see a missile launched your way, it creates an urgency to react; otherwise, the incoming weapon will destroy your missiles. Grego said there is a fear of "use them or lose them". &nbsp;The president would have less than 10 minutes to decide whether to launch ICBMs or to wait. A counterattack would result in another attack, triggering a "civilisation-ending day."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/60x-further-5x-faster-china-just-shook-starlink-with-a-tiny-laser-that-shattered-speed-records-1774274595342">China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km</a>&nbsp;Countries are also building systems to attack satellites of enemy countries. “You can jam them, you can spoof them, you could cyber-attack them. And that’s not totally uncommon," she said. Earlier this year, Russia reportedly tried to jam Musk’s Starlink satellites to stop Ukrainian drones. AI adds to the problem as autonomous systems could speed up decision-making with almost no accountability.<h2>ICBMs in space</h2>The nuclear race is worsening things, as countries push to expand their arsenal. All arms-control treaties have expired, and most countries that have nuclear weapons are involved in some kind of conflict, she said. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) go above the atmosphere and are meant to stay in the region of satellites en route to their target. "They spend most of their time in space," she said, showing how space is already being used for military purposes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-is-opening-india-s-space-sector-to-private-firms-transforming-the-industry-explaind-1784287433329">How is opening India's space sector to private firms transforming the industry? EXPLAINED</a><h2>Targeting satellites</h2>She admitted, that even though no country has intentionally destroyed an enemy's satellite, most of these countries "are testing weapons that you could use against other satellites." The US Space Force has a new weapon that can block radio waves, preventing crucial communication. Grego also slammed &nbsp;Golden Dome as a "fool’s errand. It’s expensive. It’s strategically unwise, and technically just unachievable."

An American physicist has warned that space is about to change for the common man. It is being used militarily, will soon be packed with satellites, and has nuclear-capable missiles travelling through it.  Add AI to the picture, and humans have a doomsday system on their hands.

American physicist Laura Grego has warned that an average human being's relationship with space is about to change. It is no longer going to be only of awe for infinite space, where we feel "full of connection with the universe." In an interview with The Guardian, Grego said that humanity has built a "doomsday" system and no one wants to dismantle it. Her message is clear - there is an unseen space and nuclear threat because of military satellites, rapid nuclear timelines, and the thirst to commercially claim space. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 requires space to remain a peaceful place where no nuclear weapons can be placed. But there is no clarity on using it in other ways militarily. Donald Trump wants to build a Golden Dome focused in space, and there is no rule on using it to send missiles from one part of the world to another. Grego, who is a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said, “Most people don’t know we’ve set up a system that is essentially a doomsday system. And we can dismantle it. We just have not.” Satellite crowding in space This has happened in multiple ways. One of them is the number of satellites that will increase in space in the coming years. SpaceX is at the forefront of crowding low-Earth orbit, as out of about 17,600 active satellites currently orbiting Earth, over 9,500 belong to Starlink. The company is applying to launch up to 1 million more. Also Read: Declaration of space wars? America's latest weapon can jam enemy satellites "There are plans for tens of thousands more satellites, which would really change your relationship with what you see in the sky," said Grego. She has warned that this dramatic increase will change the human relationship with the night sky, where stargazing will be sidelined, and we will mostly be viewing dense artificial constellations. Nuclear ‘timeline’ triggers a panic reaction The nuclear timeline is another problem. Satellites can detect ICBMs on the ground. Once you see a missile launched your way, it creates an urgency to react; otherwise, the incoming weapon will destroy your missiles. Grego said there is a fear of "use them or lose them". The president would have less than 10 minutes to decide whether to launch ICBMs or to wait. A counterattack would result in another attack, triggering a "civilisation-ending day." Also Read: China just shook Starlink with a 5 times faster laser from a distance of 36,000km Countries are also building systems to attack satellites of enemy countries. “You can jam them, you can spoof them, you could cyber-attack them. And that’s not totally uncommon," she said. Earlier this year, Russia reportedly tried to jam Musk’s Starlink satellites to stop Ukrainian drones. AI adds to the problem as autonomous systems could speed up decision-making with almost no accountability. ICBMs in space The nuclear race is worsening things, as countries push to expand their arsenal. All arms-control treaties have expired, and most countries that have nuclear weapons are involved in some kind of conflict, she said. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) go above the atmosphere and are meant to stay in the region of satellites en route to their target. "They spend most of their time in space," she said, showing how space is already being used for military purposes. Also Read: How is opening India's space sector to private firms transforming the industry? EXPLAINED Targeting satellites She admitted, that even though no country has intentionally destroyed an enemy's satellite, most of these countries "are testing weapons that you could use against other satellites." The US Space Force has a new weapon that can block radio waves, preventing crucial communication. Grego also slammed Golden Dome as a "fool’s errand. It’s expensive. It’s strategically unwise, and technically just unachievable."

An American physicist has warned that space is about to change for the common man. It is being used militarily, will soon be packed with satellites, and has nuclear-capable missiles travelling through it. &nbsp;Add AI to the picture, and humans have a doomsday system on their hands.

Physicist warns of unseen threat in space, blames humans for a 'doomsday system'

The B-2 Spirit carries the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb and approaches targets with no warning. Here is how nuclear gravity bomb delivery works and why stealth changes nuclear deterrence.

It is a certified nuclear delivery platform, one of three legs of America's nuclear triad, and the only aircraft in the US inventory capable of delivering nuclear gravity bombs into heavily defended airspace without being detected.&nbsp;

How a B-2 bomber makes nuclear deterrence different?

From 1960 to 1968, B-52s carrying live nuclear bombs flew continuously over the Arand Atlantic. Two crashed. One deposited nukes in Greenland. Here is what Chrome Dome actually was.

From 1960 to 1968, the US Air Force kept B-52s carrying live nuclear weapons continuously airborne over the Arctic, the Atlantic, and the approaches to the Soviet Union — every hour of every day, without pause. The operation was called Chrome Dome. It ended after two crashes deposited nuclear weapons on Spain and Greenland. Here is what those years actually looked like.

For years, US kept nuclear bombers in the air 24 hours a day, every single day! Here is what chrome dome actually was

A scientist has raised the possibility that humans could have already sent nuclear weapons into space. He has also proposed a method to detect them. Areg Danagoulian, an associate professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, published a study in the journal Nature, talking about a concept where a satellite-based sensor system can pick up signatures of a thermonuclear weapon. He states in the proof-of-concept study that this system can orbit near a spacecraft suspected of carrying a nuclear weapon and detect neutrons generated by high-energy protons colliding with radioactive material.&nbsp;&nbsp;Knowing this is important even though an explosion in space wouldn't cause any deaths or damage to Earth. However, the satellites already in space would take a direct hit, disrupting communications, GPS, weather forecasting and missile warning systems.<h2>Nuclear radiation can damage satellites</h2>This actually happened in 1962 when the United States detonated the Starfish Prime nuclear test about 400 kilometres above the Pacific Ocean. The radiation damaged one-third of the satellites in low-Earth orbit. The charged electrons entered the inner Van Allen belt, a radiation belt that surrounds Earth. Danagoulian says that this led to a sudden and extreme uptick in the number of electrons in the region. When satellites crossed this portion, their electronics and solar panels degraded several notches. Today, there are way more satellites in Earth's orbit, meaning a nuclear explosion could cause considerable damage.&nbsp;Danagoulian says in the study, "Although the OST is almost 60 years old, it has always lacked robust means of verification for space-based nuclear threats." But creating such a system is challenging, since traditional nuclear detection methods would encounter protons and electrons trapped in the inner Van Allen belt, making it confusing. However, he says that the inner Van Allen Belt can help here.<h2>The Van Allen belt can help</h2>Suppose a satellite with a nuclear weapon passes through this zone that is full of protons and electrons, it is going to emit a huge amount of neutrons. This happens because when high-energy protons slam into heavy elements like uranium, they knock loose neutrons and other particles. Danagoulian says that, depending on the amount and size of uranium, a thermonuclear weapon could emit nearly 40 million neutrons per second in the Van Allen belt.&nbsp;But this alone would not detect the nuclear warhead, which would require a device capable of sorting through all the particle noise in low Earth orbit. His proposed satellite would orbit below the suspect satellite. When they both come across the charged particles, a sensor could remove the incoming protons and only pick up neutron signals.&nbsp;However, the albedo neutrons coming from Earth create another problem, he told Gizmodo, produced by cosmic rays hitting the atmosphere. But the inspector satellite orbiting under the suspect satellite would use directional detection to determine if a neutron came from the satellite or the Earth. Danagoulian admits that his system might be complicated and hopes someone will develop a simple prototype to solve this problem.

Could there already be a nuclear weapon in space? A scientist thinks it is possible. He says that the Outer Space Treaty has no way to detect whether a satellite could have carried a nuke into space. He has developed a method to detect one.  

A scientist has raised the possibility that humans could have already sent nuclear weapons into space. He has also proposed a method to detect them. Areg Danagoulian, an associate professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, published a study in the journal Nature, talking about a concept where a satellite-based sensor system can pick up signatures of a thermonuclear weapon. He states in the proof-of-concept study that this system can orbit near a spacecraft suspected of carrying a nuclear weapon and detect neutrons generated by high-energy protons colliding with radioactive material. Knowing this is important even though an explosion in space wouldn't cause any deaths or damage to Earth. However, the satellites already in space would take a direct hit, disrupting communications, GPS, weather forecasting and missile warning systems. Nuclear radiation can damage satellites This actually happened in 1962 when the United States detonated the Starfish Prime nuclear test about 400 kilometres above the Pacific Ocean. The radiation damaged one-third of the satellites in low-Earth orbit. The charged electrons entered the inner Van Allen belt, a radiation belt that surrounds Earth. Danagoulian says that this led to a sudden and extreme uptick in the number of electrons in the region. When satellites crossed this portion, their electronics and solar panels degraded several notches. Today, there are way more satellites in Earth's orbit, meaning a nuclear explosion could cause considerable damage. Danagoulian says in the study, "Although the OST is almost 60 years old, it has always lacked robust means of verification for space-based nuclear threats." But creating such a system is challenging, since traditional nuclear detection methods would encounter protons and electrons trapped in the inner Van Allen belt, making it confusing. However, he says that the inner Van Allen Belt can help here. The Van Allen belt can help Suppose a satellite with a nuclear weapon passes through this zone that is full of protons and electrons, it is going to emit a huge amount of neutrons. This happens because when high-energy protons slam into heavy elements like uranium, they knock loose neutrons and other particles. Danagoulian says that, depending on the amount and size of uranium, a thermonuclear weapon could emit nearly 40 million neutrons per second in the Van Allen belt. But this alone would not detect the nuclear warhead, which would require a device capable of sorting through all the particle noise in low Earth orbit. His proposed satellite would orbit below the suspect satellite. When they both come across the charged particles, a sensor could remove the incoming protons and only pick up neutron signals. However, the albedo neutrons coming from Earth create another problem, he told Gizmodo, produced by cosmic rays hitting the atmosphere. But the inspector satellite orbiting under the suspect satellite would use directional detection to determine if a neutron came from the satellite or the Earth. Danagoulian admits that his system might be complicated and hopes someone will develop a simple prototype to solve this problem.

Could there already be a nuclear weapon in space? A scientist thinks it is possible. He says that the Outer Space Treaty has no way to detect whether a satellite could have carried a nuke into space. He has developed a method to detect one. &nbsp;

Scientist says nuclear weapons could be lurking in space undetected. An explosion could trigger chaos above Earth

Lithuania is moving to lift its constitutional ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases, marking a major shift in its national security policy. The proposal comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over European defence. Here's what the move means for Lithuania, NATO, and the broader security landscape in Eastern Europe.


Lithuania moves to end ban on nuclear weapons and foreign bases

Lithuania to lift ban on nuclear weapons & foreign military bases

On October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed the American public and revealed that the Soviet Union was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, 90 miles from the US coast. Within hours, the United States military began preparing for the possibility of nuclear war. For the B-52 Stratofortress fleet of the Strategic Air Command, that preparation meant going to a state of readiness that had never been reached before and has never been reached since.&nbsp;DEFCON 2 — One Step From Nuclear War&nbsp;On October 26, 1962, the US raised the alert status of the Strategic Air Command to DEFCON 2, the highest state of readiness below the actual launch of nuclear weapons. SAC would remain at DEFCON 2 until November 21, nearly a full month. During this period, approximately one-eighth of the entire B-52 fleet was airborne at all times, with the remaining aircraft on 15-minute ground alert, engines ready, crews in cockpits, nuclear weapons loaded, prepared to take off and proceed to assigned Soviet targets within minutes of a presidential order.&nbsp;65 Bombers In The Air At Every Moment&nbsp;At the peak of the crisis, SAC maintained 65 nuclear-armed B-52 bombers in the air continuously, 24 hours a day. The command launched up to 75 B-52 sorties per day to sustain this airborne alert. Over the course of the crisis, B-52s flew 2,088 individual sorties and accumulated 41,168 flying hours, an extraordinary tempo of operations that pushed crews, aircraft, and ground support to their limits. Every single one of those bombers was carrying live thermonuclear weapons, ready to proceed to pre-assigned targets deep inside the Soviet Union if the order came.&nbsp;133 Tankers A Day To Keep Them Flying&nbsp;Keeping 65 B-52s airborne around the clock required a massive aerial refuelling operation. SAC launched 133 KC-135 Stratotanker sorties per day at the height of the crisis to refuel the bombers in the air. The tanker fleet operated on a continuous cycle, taking off, rendezvousing with B-52s at designated refuelling points over the Arctic and the Atlantic, transferring fuel, returning to base, refuelling themselves, and launching again. The logistical scale of the operation was staggering: thousands of crew members across hundreds of aircraft, all operating under the premise that nuclear war could begin at any moment.&nbsp;The Only Time It Ever Happened&nbsp;The Cuban Missile Crisis airborne alert remains the only confirmed time in United States history that the B-52 fleet was placed on continuous nuclear airborne alert at this scale and intensity. Operation Chrome Dome, the routine peacetime airborne alert programme, typically kept a much smaller number of bombers aloft. The October 1962 surge was something qualitatively different: a full-scale, sustained wartime footing maintained for nearly a month, with live nuclear weapons in the air over American, Arctic, and Atlantic airspace every minute of every day. When the crisis ended and the alert status was lowered on November 21, the B-52 crews who had flown those missions had participated in the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war, from the cockpits of the aircraft that would have started it.

In October 1962, SAC kept 65 nuclear-armed B-52s airborne 24/7 at DEFCON 2. They flew 2,088 sorties in one month. It is the closest the world has come to nuclear war.

On October 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed the American public and revealed that the Soviet Union was placing nuclear missiles in Cuba, 90 miles from the US coast. Within hours, the United States military began preparing for the possibility of nuclear war. For the B-52 Stratofortress fleet of the Strategic Air Command, that preparation meant going to a state of readiness that had never been reached before and has never been reached since. DEFCON 2 — One Step From Nuclear War On October 26, 1962, the US raised the alert status of the Strategic Air Command to DEFCON 2, the highest state of readiness below the actual launch of nuclear weapons. SAC would remain at DEFCON 2 until November 21, nearly a full month. During this period, approximately one-eighth of the entire B-52 fleet was airborne at all times, with the remaining aircraft on 15-minute ground alert, engines ready, crews in cockpits, nuclear weapons loaded, prepared to take off and proceed to assigned Soviet targets within minutes of a presidential order. 65 Bombers In The Air At Every Moment At the peak of the crisis, SAC maintained 65 nuclear-armed B-52 bombers in the air continuously, 24 hours a day. The command launched up to 75 B-52 sorties per day to sustain this airborne alert. Over the course of the crisis, B-52s flew 2,088 individual sorties and accumulated 41,168 flying hours, an extraordinary tempo of operations that pushed crews, aircraft, and ground support to their limits. Every single one of those bombers was carrying live thermonuclear weapons, ready to proceed to pre-assigned targets deep inside the Soviet Union if the order came. 133 Tankers A Day To Keep Them Flying Keeping 65 B-52s airborne around the clock required a massive aerial refuelling operation. SAC launched 133 KC-135 Stratotanker sorties per day at the height of the crisis to refuel the bombers in the air. The tanker fleet operated on a continuous cycle, taking off, rendezvousing with B-52s at designated refuelling points over the Arctic and the Atlantic, transferring fuel, returning to base, refuelling themselves, and launching again. The logistical scale of the operation was staggering: thousands of crew members across hundreds of aircraft, all operating under the premise that nuclear war could begin at any moment. The Only Time It Ever Happened The Cuban Missile Crisis airborne alert remains the only confirmed time in United States history that the B-52 fleet was placed on continuous nuclear airborne alert at this scale and intensity. Operation Chrome Dome, the routine peacetime airborne alert programme, typically kept a much smaller number of bombers aloft. The October 1962 surge was something qualitatively different: a full-scale, sustained wartime footing maintained for nearly a month, with live nuclear weapons in the air over American, Arctic, and Atlantic airspace every minute of every day. When the crisis ended and the alert status was lowered on November 21, the B-52 crews who had flown those missions had participated in the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war, from the cockpits of the aircraft that would have started it.

In October 1962, as the world came closer to nuclear war than at any other point in history, the US Strategic Air Command put its B-52 fleet on DEFCON 2, one step below nuclear war.&nbsp;

'Cuban missile crisis': 65 nuclear-armed B-52s were in the air at every single moment for a month

Russia on Wednesday (June 24) said nuclear weapons remain the “only” safeguard preventing the world from sliding into a global war, amid growing concerns over a renewed international arms race following the expiry of key arms control agreements. The remarks came after the expiration of the bilateral nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the US in February. The agreement, which had limited the deployment of nuclear warheads by the world's two largest nuclear powers for more than a decade, lapsed without a replacement, leaving no binding restrictions in force for the first time in decades.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/italy-headed-for-early-elections-after-feud-with-trump-report-claims-meloni-is-fearing-drop-in-her-popularity-1782232560372">Italy headed for early elections? After feud with Trump, report claims Meloni is fearing drop in her popularity</a>&nbsp;Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the global security architecture was deteriorating and argued that nuclear deterrence remained essential to preventing large-scale conflict. “In fact, we have nothing left in this world apart from nuclear deterrence. It’s the only thing that protects the world from a global war,” Peskov said.&nbsp;He warned that the international security system was “eroding” and suggested that rapid technological advances could eventually lead to the development of conventional weapons capable of destroying on a scale comparable to nuclear arms.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-claims-israel-deliberately-targeted-gaza-children-during-and-after-war-netanyahu-government-rejects-allegation-1782219343229">UN claims Israel deliberately targeted Gaza children during and after war; Netanyahu government rejects allegation</a>&nbsp;“As technology is developing, it is already clear that new types of non-nuclear weapons will emerge, but they may eventually match nuclear weapons in destructive power,” he added.&nbsp;Moscow has repeatedly argued that the weakening of existing arms control mechanisms increases the risk of miscalculation between major powers, while Western governments have expressed concern about Russia's nuclear rhetoric since the start of the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-has-fully-and-completely-agreed-to-highest-level-nuclear-inspection-trump-s-big-claim-amid-switzerland-talks-1782214814586">‘Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level nuclear inspection’: Trump's big claim amid Switzerland talks</a>

After the expiration of its nuclear treaty with the US, Russia stated that nuclear weapons remain the “only” safeguard preventing global war amid a deteriorating international security architecture.

Russia on Wednesday (June 24) said nuclear weapons remain the “only” safeguard preventing the world from sliding into a global war, amid growing concerns over a renewed international arms race following the expiry of key arms control agreements. The remarks came after the expiration of the bilateral nuclear arms treaty between Russia and the US in February. The agreement, which had limited the deployment of nuclear warheads by the world's two largest nuclear powers for more than a decade, lapsed without a replacement, leaving no binding restrictions in force for the first time in decades. Also read: Italy headed for early elections? After feud with Trump, report claims Meloni is fearing drop in her popularity Speaking at a foreign policy forum in Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the global security architecture was deteriorating and argued that nuclear deterrence remained essential to preventing large-scale conflict. “In fact, we have nothing left in this world apart from nuclear deterrence. It’s the only thing that protects the world from a global war,” Peskov said. He warned that the international security system was “eroding” and suggested that rapid technological advances could eventually lead to the development of conventional weapons capable of destroying on a scale comparable to nuclear arms. Also read: UN claims Israel deliberately targeted Gaza children during and after war; Netanyahu government rejects allegation “As technology is developing, it is already clear that new types of non-nuclear weapons will emerge, but they may eventually match nuclear weapons in destructive power,” he added. Moscow has repeatedly argued that the weakening of existing arms control mechanisms increases the risk of miscalculation between major powers, while Western governments have expressed concern about Russia's nuclear rhetoric since the start of the war in Ukraine. Also read: ‘Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level nuclear inspection’: Trump's big claim amid Switzerland talks

After the expiration of its nuclear treaty with the US, Russia stated that nuclear weapons remain the “only” safeguard preventing global war amid a deteriorating international security architecture.

Russia says nuclear weapons are ‘only thing’ preventing global war

Running through the lower centre of the B-52 Stratofortress fuselage is a weapons bay that measures approximately 27 feet in length and contains roughly 1,043 cubic feet of internal volume. When the bay doors are closed, the clearance inside is around four feet — enough to crouch through, but not to stand upright. It was not designed for human comfort. It was designed to carry the most destructive weapons ever built.&nbsp;Built For Nuclear Gravity Bombs&nbsp;When the B-52 entered service in 1955, its primary mission was nuclear deterrence. The bomb bay was engineered to carry free-fall thermonuclear gravity bombs — massive weapons like the B28, B41, and B53 that weighed thousands of pounds each and carried yields measured in megatons. The bay's dimensions were dictated by the size and weight of these weapons. During the Cold War, B-52s on airborne alert carried live nuclear bombs in this bay continuously, ready to be released over Soviet targets within hours of a presidential order. The bomb bay was, in the most literal sense, designed for the end of the world.&nbsp;The Rotary Launcher That Changed Everything&nbsp;As the B-52's mission evolved beyond nuclear-only operations, the bomb bay was adapted to carry a Common Strategic Rotary Launcher — a cylindrical, motorised rack that rotates like a revolver chamber, presenting each weapon in sequence to the bay doors for release. The rotary launcher can be loaded with AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, the same weapons used in Operation Desert Storm's opening salvo. It can also carry GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and other precision-guided weapons. The launcher's design allows the B-52 to carry a diverse mix of ordnance internally and release individual weapons in rapid sequence without the crew manually reconfiguring anything.&nbsp;Conventional Bomb Racks&nbsp;For conventional bombing missions, the rotary launcher can be replaced with traditional bomb racks capable of holding large quantities of unguided or guided bombs. During the Vietnam War, B-52s carried massive loads of conventional 500-pound and 750-pound bombs in the bay, releasing them in carpet-bombing patterns over target areas. The same bomb bay that was built to carry a single nuclear weapon capable of destroying a city could also be loaded with dozens of conventional bombs for sustained area bombardment — a versatility that no other bomber of its era offered.&nbsp;Why The Bay Still Matters&nbsp;In an era of stealth bombers and standoff missiles, the B-52's cavernous bomb bay remains relevant because of what it enables: the ability to carry weapons internally, protected from drag and turbulence, while simultaneously carrying additional weapons on external pylons under the wings. This dual-carriage capability — internal bay plus external hardpoints — is what gives the B-52 its record 70,000-pound total payload. The bomb bay that was designed in the 1950s to end civilisation in a nuclear exchange is now, seven decades later, being used to carry precision weapons, cruise missiles, and experimental hypersonic test vehicles. Its original purpose has changed. Its usefulness has not.

The B-52's 27-foot, 1,000 cubic foot internal bomb bay was designed for thermonuclear weapons. Today it carries cruise missiles, JDAMs, and a rotary launcher.

Running through the lower centre of the B-52 Stratofortress fuselage is a weapons bay that measures approximately 27 feet in length and contains roughly 1,043 cubic feet of internal volume. When the bay doors are closed, the clearance inside is around four feet — enough to crouch through, but not to stand upright. It was not designed for human comfort. It was designed to carry the most destructive weapons ever built. Built For Nuclear Gravity Bombs When the B-52 entered service in 1955, its primary mission was nuclear deterrence. The bomb bay was engineered to carry free-fall thermonuclear gravity bombs — massive weapons like the B28, B41, and B53 that weighed thousands of pounds each and carried yields measured in megatons. The bay's dimensions were dictated by the size and weight of these weapons. During the Cold War, B-52s on airborne alert carried live nuclear bombs in this bay continuously, ready to be released over Soviet targets within hours of a presidential order. The bomb bay was, in the most literal sense, designed for the end of the world. The Rotary Launcher That Changed Everything As the B-52's mission evolved beyond nuclear-only operations, the bomb bay was adapted to carry a Common Strategic Rotary Launcher — a cylindrical, motorised rack that rotates like a revolver chamber, presenting each weapon in sequence to the bay doors for release. The rotary launcher can be loaded with AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missiles, the same weapons used in Operation Desert Storm's opening salvo. It can also carry GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions and other precision-guided weapons. The launcher's design allows the B-52 to carry a diverse mix of ordnance internally and release individual weapons in rapid sequence without the crew manually reconfiguring anything. Conventional Bomb Racks For conventional bombing missions, the rotary launcher can be replaced with traditional bomb racks capable of holding large quantities of unguided or guided bombs. During the Vietnam War, B-52s carried massive loads of conventional 500-pound and 750-pound bombs in the bay, releasing them in carpet-bombing patterns over target areas. The same bomb bay that was built to carry a single nuclear weapon capable of destroying a city could also be loaded with dozens of conventional bombs for sustained area bombardment — a versatility that no other bomber of its era offered. Why The Bay Still Matters In an era of stealth bombers and standoff missiles, the B-52's cavernous bomb bay remains relevant because of what it enables: the ability to carry weapons internally, protected from drag and turbulence, while simultaneously carrying additional weapons on external pylons under the wings. This dual-carriage capability — internal bay plus external hardpoints — is what gives the B-52 its record 70,000-pound total payload. The bomb bay that was designed in the 1950s to end civilisation in a nuclear exchange is now, seven decades later, being used to carry precision weapons, cruise missiles, and experimental hypersonic test vehicles. Its original purpose has changed. Its usefulness has not.

The B-52 Stratofortress carries a 27-foot-long internal weapons bay with over 1,000 cubic feet of volume, originally designed to hold thermonuclear gravity bombs during the Cold War.&nbsp;

The B-52 has a 27-foot bomb bay big enough to walk through, it was built for nuclear armageddon

When military specifications say the B-52 can carry a 70,000-pound weapons payload, the number is easy to read and difficult to visualise. Seventy thousand pounds is 32,000 kilograms. It is roughly the weight of eight fully loaded SUVs. It is more than what many commercial cargo aircraft carry. And the B-52 can carry that weight in explosive ordnance across more than 14,000 kilometres without refuelling. Understanding what that payload actually consists of and the sheer variety of weapons a single B-52 can deliver — is what makes the aircraft unlike anything else in any air force on Earth.&nbsp;The Internal Bomb Bay&nbsp;The B-52's bomb bay runs through the lower centre of the fuselage and can hold a rotary launcher or conventional bomb racks. It was originally designed to carry free-fall nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Today, the internal bay can hold a rotary launcher loaded with AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missiles — the same weapon used in Operation Secret Squirrel to open the Gulf War. It can also carry GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions, known as JDAMs, which are conventional bombs fitted with satellite-guidance tail kits that allow them to strike targets with precision from high altitude.&nbsp;The Underwing Pylons&nbsp;In addition to the internal bomb bay, the B-52 has multiple hardpoints under its massive 185-foot wings. These external pylons can carry additional cruise missiles, conventional bombs, precision-guided munitions, and in more recent years, experimental weapons including hypersonic test vehicles. The combination of internal and external carriage gives the B-52 a total weapons capacity that no other operational bomber in any country's inventory can match.&nbsp;Nuclear Capability&nbsp;The B-52H remains one of the three legs of the United States' nuclear triad, the combination of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and bomber-delivered nuclear weapons that forms the backbone of American nuclear deterrence. The B-52 is certified to carry B61 nuclear gravity bombs as well as nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. When a B-52 is deployed on a nuclear alert mission, the aircraft and its payload represent a level of destructive capability that is measured in megatons.&nbsp;Sea Mines, Conventional Bombs, And Hypersonics&nbsp;The B-52's versatility goes beyond nuclear and precision-guided weapons. It has been used to deploy naval sea mines, flying over ocean areas and dropping mines that sink to the seabed to deny enemy ships passage. It has carried massive conventional bomb loads in every American conflict from Vietnam onward. And it has served as the primary testbed for experimental hypersonic weapons, including the AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon programme, which uses the B-52 as a launch platform for missiles that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5.&nbsp;One Aircraft, Every Mission&nbsp;No other bomber in service anywhere in the world can switch between nuclear deterrence, conventional carpet bombing, precision-guided strikes, cruise missile launches, sea mine deployment, and hypersonic weapons testing, all from the same airframe. That is what 70,000 pounds of payload capacity actually means in practice: not just a large number, but the ability to be a different weapon system on every sortie, depending on what is loaded into the bomb bay and bolted under the wings.

The B-52 can carry 70,000 lbs of weapons: nuclear bombs, cruise missiles, JDA sea mines, and hypersonic test vehicles. No other aircraft in the world matches this versatility.

When military specifications say the B-52 can carry a 70,000-pound weapons payload, the number is easy to read and difficult to visualise. Seventy thousand pounds is 32,000 kilograms. It is roughly the weight of eight fully loaded SUVs. It is more than what many commercial cargo aircraft carry. And the B-52 can carry that weight in explosive ordnance across more than 14,000 kilometres without refuelling. Understanding what that payload actually consists of and the sheer variety of weapons a single B-52 can deliver — is what makes the aircraft unlike anything else in any air force on Earth. The Internal Bomb Bay The B-52's bomb bay runs through the lower centre of the fuselage and can hold a rotary launcher or conventional bomb racks. It was originally designed to carry free-fall nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Today, the internal bay can hold a rotary launcher loaded with AGM-86 Air-Launched Cruise Missiles — the same weapon used in Operation Secret Squirrel to open the Gulf War. It can also carry GPS-guided Joint Direct Attack Munitions, known as JDAMs, which are conventional bombs fitted with satellite-guidance tail kits that allow them to strike targets with precision from high altitude. The Underwing Pylons In addition to the internal bomb bay, the B-52 has multiple hardpoints under its massive 185-foot wings. These external pylons can carry additional cruise missiles, conventional bombs, precision-guided munitions, and in more recent years, experimental weapons including hypersonic test vehicles. The combination of internal and external carriage gives the B-52 a total weapons capacity that no other operational bomber in any country's inventory can match. Nuclear Capability The B-52H remains one of the three legs of the United States' nuclear triad, the combination of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and bomber-delivered nuclear weapons that forms the backbone of American nuclear deterrence. The B-52 is certified to carry B61 nuclear gravity bombs as well as nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. When a B-52 is deployed on a nuclear alert mission, the aircraft and its payload represent a level of destructive capability that is measured in megatons. Sea Mines, Conventional Bombs, And Hypersonics The B-52's versatility goes beyond nuclear and precision-guided weapons. It has been used to deploy naval sea mines, flying over ocean areas and dropping mines that sink to the seabed to deny enemy ships passage. It has carried massive conventional bomb loads in every American conflict from Vietnam onward. And it has served as the primary testbed for experimental hypersonic weapons, including the AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon programme, which uses the B-52 as a launch platform for missiles that travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5. One Aircraft, Every Mission No other bomber in service anywhere in the world can switch between nuclear deterrence, conventional carpet bombing, precision-guided strikes, cruise missile launches, sea mine deployment, and hypersonic weapons testing, all from the same airframe. That is what 70,000 pounds of payload capacity actually means in practice: not just a large number, but the ability to be a different weapon system on every sortie, depending on what is loaded into the bomb bay and bolted under the wings.

The B-52 Stratofortress can carry 70,000 poundsm, 32,000 kilograms, of weapons in a single sortie. That includes nuclear gravity bombs, cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, naval sea mines, and experimental hypersonic weapons.

A single B-52 bomber can carry 70,000 pounds of bombs! Here's what that actually looks like

On the morning of January 17, 1966, a United States Air Force B-52G bomber was on a routine Cold War nuclear patrol mission — part of Operation Chrome Dome, a programme that kept nuclear-armed bombers airborne around the clock as a deterrent against a Soviet first strike. At 31,000 feet above the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain, near the village of Palomares in the Almería province, it attempted to link up with a KC-135 tanker for aerial refuelling. The aircraft collided. What followed was one of the most alarming nuclear accidents in history.&nbsp;The Collision And The Bombs&nbsp;The collision destroyed the KC-135 tanker, killing all four of its crew members. The B-52G broke apart, killing three of its seven crew members. Aboard the bomber were four B28FI thermonuclear bombs, each many times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the aircraft disintegrated, all four bombs separated from the wreckage and fell toward Spanish soil and sea.&nbsp;Four Bombs, Four Different Fates&nbsp;Three of the bombs landed on the outskirts of Palomares. In two of those bombs, the conventional high-explosive triggers detonated on impact, not a nuclear detonation, but enough of an explosion to rupture the bomb casings and scatter plutonium across approximately two square kilometres of farmland. The third bomb that landed on shore was recovered intact. The fourth bomb had fallen into the Mediterranean Sea and could not be immediately located. It would take 80 days and a US Navy search operation involving the deep-sea submersible DSV Alvin, before it was recovered from the seabed, intact.&nbsp;The Cleanup And The Cover&nbsp;The US and Spanish authorities undertook a major decontamination operation, ultimately removing approximately 1,750 tons of radioactive soil and vegetation from Palomares, which was shipped to a storage facility in the United States for disposal. Despite the severity of the contamination, the US government's initial public communications were carefully managed to avoid panic. Spanish residents near Palomares were not fully informed of the extent of plutonium contamination for years. The Spanish government, then under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, was a US ally and quietly cooperated with American efforts to manage the public narrative. It was only later that the full scale of the contamination and its ongoing health implications for residents, became widely understood.&nbsp;The Legacy That Never Went Away&nbsp;The Palomares incident did not end in 1966. Residual plutonium contamination has persisted in the area for six decades. In 2015, Spain and the United States signed an agreement for a further remediation effort, nearly 50 years after the original accident. The incident also had an immediate operational consequence: Spain banned US aircraft carrying nuclear weapons from flying over its territory. Operation Chrome Dome, the programme that put nuclear-armed B-52s on continuous airborne alert was itself terminated in 1968 after another B-52 nuclear accident in Greenland. Palomares is a reminder that for all of the B-52's extraordinary capability and endurance, the era of nuclear deterrence it embodies has never been without real, catastrophic risk.

On January 17, 1966, a B-52 scattered four thermonuclear bombs over Palomares, Spain after a mid-air collision. One was lost at sea for 80 days. Here's the full story.

On the morning of January 17, 1966, a United States Air Force B-52G bomber was on a routine Cold War nuclear patrol mission — part of Operation Chrome Dome, a programme that kept nuclear-armed bombers airborne around the clock as a deterrent against a Soviet first strike. At 31,000 feet above the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain, near the village of Palomares in the Almería province, it attempted to link up with a KC-135 tanker for aerial refuelling. The aircraft collided. What followed was one of the most alarming nuclear accidents in history. The Collision And The Bombs The collision destroyed the KC-135 tanker, killing all four of its crew members. The B-52G broke apart, killing three of its seven crew members. Aboard the bomber were four B28FI thermonuclear bombs, each many times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the aircraft disintegrated, all four bombs separated from the wreckage and fell toward Spanish soil and sea. Four Bombs, Four Different Fates Three of the bombs landed on the outskirts of Palomares. In two of those bombs, the conventional high-explosive triggers detonated on impact, not a nuclear detonation, but enough of an explosion to rupture the bomb casings and scatter plutonium across approximately two square kilometres of farmland. The third bomb that landed on shore was recovered intact. The fourth bomb had fallen into the Mediterranean Sea and could not be immediately located. It would take 80 days and a US Navy search operation involving the deep-sea submersible DSV Alvin, before it was recovered from the seabed, intact. The Cleanup And The Cover The US and Spanish authorities undertook a major decontamination operation, ultimately removing approximately 1,750 tons of radioactive soil and vegetation from Palomares, which was shipped to a storage facility in the United States for disposal. Despite the severity of the contamination, the US government's initial public communications were carefully managed to avoid panic. Spanish residents near Palomares were not fully informed of the extent of plutonium contamination for years. The Spanish government, then under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, was a US ally and quietly cooperated with American efforts to manage the public narrative. It was only later that the full scale of the contamination and its ongoing health implications for residents, became widely understood. The Legacy That Never Went Away The Palomares incident did not end in 1966. Residual plutonium contamination has persisted in the area for six decades. In 2015, Spain and the United States signed an agreement for a further remediation effort, nearly 50 years after the original accident. The incident also had an immediate operational consequence: Spain banned US aircraft carrying nuclear weapons from flying over its territory. Operation Chrome Dome, the programme that put nuclear-armed B-52s on continuous airborne alert was itself terminated in 1968 after another B-52 nuclear accident in Greenland. Palomares is a reminder that for all of the B-52's extraordinary capability and endurance, the era of nuclear deterrence it embodies has never been without real, catastrophic risk.

On January 17, 1966, a US Air Force B-52 collided with a refuelling tanker over southern Spain and scattered four thermonuclear bombs across a village. One was lost in the Mediterranean Sea for 80 days.

It once accidentally dropped 4 hydrogen bombs over Spain and nobody told the public for days

A US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed in California on Monday, killing eight people during a test flight. While modern incidents are rare, dozens of B-52s have crashed since 1955. Around 31 were lost in Vietnam, and several Cold War accidents involved nuclear payloads.


A US Air Force B-52 bomber crashed in California on Monday, killing eight people during a test flight. While modern incidents are rare, dozens of B-52s have crashed since 1955. Around 31 were lost in Vietnam, and several Cold War accidents involved nuclear payloads.

‘History of B-52 crashes’: How many times has the US Air Force lost its iconic bomber?

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened major military action against Iran—only to call it off hours later while claiming that a peace deal was within reach. Tehran, however, insists that no final agreement has been reached.

As diplomacy, military pressure, and ceasefire claims collide across the Middle East, one question remains: what gives Iran its strategic leverage?

Iran Already Has Two 'Nuclear Weapons,' Does It Have A Third? 

The United States spent an estimated $69.2 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025, more than ‌all ⁠other nuclear states combined.

America Spends $69 Billion on New Nukes as Shadow of Nuclear War Havoc Grows

India’s nuclear arsenal has reportedly expanded from 180 warheads in 2025 to 190 in 2026, according to recent estimates. The development comes amid rising regional security concerns and ongoing global nuclear modernization trends. The report highlights shifting strategic balances in South Asia and renewed focus on deterrence capabilities among major powers.

India Among Four Nations With a Fully Operational Nuclear Triad

In a big revelation, the latest report by &nbsp;International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) stated that nuclear-armed countries increased their spending on atomic weapons by a fifth last year to a record high of nearly $119 billion. It also claimed that these nations have planned to ramp up those investments in the coming decades. According to the report, the world's nine nuclear-armed states jointly increased their spending on their arsenals by nearly $17 billion last year, with US, China and Russia leading in terms of numbers.&nbsp;<h2>Which countries spent the most on nuclear arsenals?</h2>According to the report, the US spent $69.2 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025 – which is more than all the other countries combined,. This is an increase of $12.4 billion from what Washington spent an year ago. China came second in terms of nuclear spending with $13.5 billion spent last year, then Britain at $12.6 billion and Russia at $9.5 billion. And over the past five years, ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, found that the nine countries had spent over $470 billion on their arsenals. The study showed that all of the nuclear-armed states -- Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States – increased their spending last year.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-should-we-pick-a-fight-netanyahu-calls-off-massive-iran-strike-after-trump-s-warning-call-1780968052307/amp">'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call</a>&nbsp;France allocated $7.7 billion in 2025 which was 8 per cent up from the previous year. Among the other nuclear powers, India spent $2.8 billion - a whopping 12 per cent increase, Pakistan spent $1.5 billion - a massive 18 per cent increase, Israel allocated $1.2 billion (+2 per cent), and North Korea spent an estimated $656 million, reflecting a 4 per cent rise.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-100-days-of-iran-us-war-trump-revives-two-weeks-timeline-what-he-said-1780966729704/amp">After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said</a><h2>Warnings from ICAN</h2>The researchers said that the huge sums being spent were particularly jarring at a time when the global humanitarian system was reeling from dramatic funding cuts. "What these countries spent in 2025 could have paid 32 years of the UN operating budget," Snyder pointed out, adding that a single day of nuclear weapons spending last year could have provided food security to more than two million people. The ICAN report warned that at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, “a new nuclear arms race is upon us.” Susi Snyder, ICAN's director of programmes and co-author of that report, said the scale-up, coupled with fears that artificial intelligence could increase the risk of nuclear weapons use, was deeply alarming. "To be perfectly honest, I'm terrified," she told AFP.

Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record $119 billion in 2025, led by the US, China, and Russia. A report by ICAN warns of a renewed arms race as nations modernize arsenals amid rising tensions, while SIPRI notes fewer warheads overall but greater readiness for use.

In a big revelation, the latest report by International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) stated that nuclear-armed countries increased their spending on atomic weapons by a fifth last year to a record high of nearly $119 billion. It also claimed that these nations have planned to ramp up those investments in the coming decades. According to the report, the world's nine nuclear-armed states jointly increased their spending on their arsenals by nearly $17 billion last year, with US, China and Russia leading in terms of numbers. Which countries spent the most on nuclear arsenals? According to the report, the US spent $69.2 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025 – which is more than all the other countries combined,. This is an increase of $12.4 billion from what Washington spent an year ago. China came second in terms of nuclear spending with $13.5 billion spent last year, then Britain at $12.6 billion and Russia at $9.5 billion. And over the past five years, ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize, found that the nine countries had spent over $470 billion on their arsenals. The study showed that all of the nuclear-armed states -- Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States – increased their spending last year. Also Read: 'Why should we pick a fight...': Netanyahu calls off massive Iran strike after Trump's warning call France allocated $7.7 billion in 2025 which was 8 per cent up from the previous year. Among the other nuclear powers, India spent $2.8 billion - a whopping 12 per cent increase, Pakistan spent $1.5 billion - a massive 18 per cent increase, Israel allocated $1.2 billion (+2 per cent), and North Korea spent an estimated $656 million, reflecting a 4 per cent rise. Also Read: After 100 days of Iran-US war, Trump revives 'two weeks' timeline - What he said Warnings from ICAN The researchers said that the huge sums being spent were particularly jarring at a time when the global humanitarian system was reeling from dramatic funding cuts. "What these countries spent in 2025 could have paid 32 years of the UN operating budget," Snyder pointed out, adding that a single day of nuclear weapons spending last year could have provided food security to more than two million people. The ICAN report warned that at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, “a new nuclear arms race is upon us.” Susi Snyder, ICAN's director of programmes and co-author of that report, said the scale-up, coupled with fears that artificial intelligence could increase the risk of nuclear weapons use, was deeply alarming. "To be perfectly honest, I'm terrified," she told AFP.

Global spending on nuclear weapons reached a record $119 billion in 2025, led by the US, China, and Russia. A report by ICAN warns of a renewed arms race as nations modernize arsenals amid rising tensions, while SIPRI notes fewer warheads overall but greater readiness for use.

US, China, Russia lead record $119 billion nuclear arms surge: Where does India stand?

The United States continues to lead global nuclear spending in 2025, as a new report reveals that nine countries collectively spent over $470 billion on nuclear weapons over the past five years. The figures highlight a sharp rise in global defence budgets amid escalating geopolitical tensions and renewed arms competition among major powers.

US Tops Global Nuclear Spending in 2025 | 9 Nations Spent Over $470 Bn in 5 Years 

The United States is considering the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in additional European member states of the alliance NATO, according to the ‌Financial Times. US officials have indicated a willingness to explore additional deployments beyond the six countries that host nuclear-capable ​bombers. The report said the proposal would involve expanding the number of countries hosting US dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are designed to carry out both conventional and nuclear missions. However, it noted that any decision to broaden the existing nuclear-sharing arrangement is not expected in the immediate future.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-9-killed-as-russia-launches-major-missile-drone-assault-on-ukraine-1780375918249">At least 9 killed as Russia launches major missile, drone assault on Ukraine</a><h3>Poland and the Baltic states' interest in DCA bases</h3>Countries along NATO's eastern flank, including Poland and the Baltic states, have reportedly expressed interest in hosting DCA bases. The discussions are said to be continuing within NATO channels. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defence, and NATO had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Elbridge ​Colby, Pentagon policy ​chief, has previously stated publicly that the US will continuously use its nuclear weapons ​in order to protect NATO members. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and many of his supporters have heavily criticised European allies for ⁠not ​spending enough on their militaries ​and completely depending on the US for conventional defence.

The US is considering deploying nuclear-capable aircraft to more European NATO allies, particularly along the eastern flank like Poland and the Baltic. No immediate decision is expected, and NATO has not yet commented.

The United States is considering the possibility of deploying nuclear weapons in additional European member states of the alliance NATO, according to the ‌Financial Times. US officials have indicated a willingness to explore additional deployments beyond the six countries that host nuclear-capable bombers. The report said the proposal would involve expanding the number of countries hosting US dual-capable aircraft (DCA), which are designed to carry out both conventional and nuclear missions. However, it noted that any decision to broaden the existing nuclear-sharing arrangement is not expected in the immediate future. Also read: At least 9 killed as Russia launches major missile, drone assault on Ukraine Poland and the Baltic states' interest in DCA bases Countries along NATO's eastern flank, including Poland and the Baltic states, have reportedly expressed interest in hosting DCA bases. The discussions are said to be continuing within NATO channels. Meanwhile, the US Department of Defence, and NATO had not immediately responded to requests for comment. Elbridge Colby, Pentagon policy chief, has previously stated publicly that the US will continuously use its nuclear weapons in order to protect NATO members. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and many of his supporters have heavily criticised European allies for ⁠not spending enough on their militaries and completely depending on the US for conventional defence.

The US is considering deploying nuclear-capable aircraft to more European NATO allies, particularly along the eastern flank like Poland and the Baltic. No immediate decision is expected, and NATO has not yet commented.

US weighs deploying nuclear weapons in more NATO states: Report

Belarus, which hosts Russian nuclear weapons, said on ​Monday its armed forces had begun training on how ‌to deploy them in the field. "During the training, in cooperation with the Russian side, it is planned to practise the delivery ​of nuclear munitions and their preparation for use," ​the Belarusian Defence Ministry said in a statement.


Belarus Hosts Russian Nuclear Weapons, Russia Deploys Nuclear-Capable Oreshnik Missile System

Belarus Launches Urgent Nuclear Exercises as Hypersonic Missiles Loom

The secretive US Department of Energy has released its classified UAP files under the 2026 PURSUE initiative. The newly public WAR.GOV database reveals a deeply concerning historical link between unexplained aerial phenomena and nuclear facilities.


The secretive US Department of Energy has released its classified UAP files under the 2026 PURSUE initiative. The newly public WAR.GOV database reveals a deeply concerning historical link between unexplained aerial phenomena and nuclear facilities.

'The Nuclear Connection': Why the US Department of war is suddenly releasing its classified UAP files

On August 6, 1945, the United States deployed a highly modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress to drop the first atomic weapon used in warfare. This unprecedented mission instantly altered global geopolitics and demonstrated a terrifying new threshold of military power.


On August 6, 1945, the United States deployed a highly modified Boeing B-29 Superfortress to drop the first atomic weapon used in warfare. This unprecedented mission instantly altered global geopolitics and demonstrated a terrifying new threshold of military power.

'31,000 feet above Hiroshima': This US aircraft was used to drop the atomic bomb in 1945

Since eight years ago, when Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran, Iran has built up a stockpile of 22,000 pounds, roughly 11 tons of enriched uranium. Today, however, the whereabouts of that stockpile remain uncertain, even two months after the United States launched military strikes aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Uranium is a dual-use material. At low enrichment levels, it fuels nuclear reactors and powers cities. At higher concentrations, achieved through a process known as enrichment, it becomes suitable for nuclear weapons. What makes enrichment particularly concerning is how the process accelerates. Moving from natural uranium to 20 per cent enrichment is far more difficult than progressing from 20 per cent to 60 per cent, or even to 90 percent, the level typically used in nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Iran started enriching uranium on an industrial scale in 2006, maintaining that its program was peaceful. Over time, reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency documented a steadily growing stockpile. In 2010, Tehran announced it would enrich uranium to 20 per cent, officially to fuel a research reactor. This level marked a critical threshold, the official dividing line between civilian and military uses. The concern stemmed from the fact that 20 per cent enrichment represents about 80 per cent of the way to bomb-grade fuel.&nbsp;As the stockpile expanded, the administration of Barack Obama entered negotiations to curb Iran’s program. Those talks culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal, which capped uranium enrichment at 3.67 per cent and strictly limited stockpile size for 15 years. Under the agreement, Iran shipped out 25,000 pounds, about 12.5 tons, of enriched uranium and reduced its holdings to under 660 pounds. By 2018, Iran did not possess enough material for even a single nuclear bomb when Trump exited the agreement and reinstated sweeping economic sanctions. In response, Iran gradually escalated its enrichment activities. Initially, it exceeded limits slightly to pressure Western powers. By early 2021, just before Trump left office, enrichment reached 20 per cent again.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-photos-show-white-house-correspondents-dinner-shooting-suspect-taking-selfie-with-weapons-before-attack-1777504949203">New photos show White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect taking selfie with weapons before attack</a>&nbsp;Efforts by the administration of Joe Biden to revive the deal ultimately failed. During this period, Iran pushed enrichment to unprecedented levels of up to 60 per cent, dangerously close to weapons-grade. With Trump returning to office in 2025, Iran’s uranium stockpile grew at its fastest pace since monitoring started. That same year, during a 12-day conflict, US forces struck key Iranian nuclear facilities, including enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, as well as uranium storage tunnels near Isfahan. One month later, Iran halted cooperation with the IAEA., effectively ending international oversight of its nuclear program.&nbsp;Without on-site inspections and despite continued satellite surveillance, the location of Iran’s 11-ton uranium stockpile remains unknown. The material itself presents a challenge. Radioactive and chemically hazardous, parts of it may now be hidden or buried beneath rubble from the strikes, making access and verification extremely difficult. Even if Iran were to recover the uranium, experts caution that converting it into a functional nuclear warhead would take months, if not over a year. They also stress that Iran did not pose an immediate nuclear threat at the time the war started.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-of-election-threat-amid-rising-tensions-in-occupied-ukrainian-regions-1777491897975/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-of-election-threat-amid-rising-tensions-in-occupied-ukrainian-regions-1777491897975/embed</a>&nbsp;The Trump administration maintains that US satellites are tracking the buried stockpile and argues that the material is of limited use due to damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and expertise. However, analysts dispute this assessment. Some believe Iran may have established a covert enrichment facility within mountain tunnels near Isfahan, an area also believed to house much of the uranium. If true, this raises the possibility that Iran retains the capability to resume enrichment operations secretly, potentially advancing toward weapons-grade material beyond international scrutiny.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile has gone missing after US airstrikes in 2025. Here’s what we know about its location, risks, and nuclear implications

Since eight years ago, when Donald Trump withdrew from a landmark nuclear agreement with Tehran, Iran has built up a stockpile of 22,000 pounds, roughly 11 tons of enriched uranium. Today, however, the whereabouts of that stockpile remain uncertain, even two months after the United States launched military strikes aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Uranium is a dual-use material. At low enrichment levels, it fuels nuclear reactors and powers cities. At higher concentrations, achieved through a process known as enrichment, it becomes suitable for nuclear weapons. What makes enrichment particularly concerning is how the process accelerates. Moving from natural uranium to 20 per cent enrichment is far more difficult than progressing from 20 per cent to 60 per cent, or even to 90 percent, the level typically used in nuclear weapons. Iran started enriching uranium on an industrial scale in 2006, maintaining that its program was peaceful. Over time, reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency documented a steadily growing stockpile. In 2010, Tehran announced it would enrich uranium to 20 per cent, officially to fuel a research reactor. This level marked a critical threshold, the official dividing line between civilian and military uses. The concern stemmed from the fact that 20 per cent enrichment represents about 80 per cent of the way to bomb-grade fuel. As the stockpile expanded, the administration of Barack Obama entered negotiations to curb Iran’s program. Those talks culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal, which capped uranium enrichment at 3.67 per cent and strictly limited stockpile size for 15 years. Under the agreement, Iran shipped out 25,000 pounds, about 12.5 tons, of enriched uranium and reduced its holdings to under 660 pounds. By 2018, Iran did not possess enough material for even a single nuclear bomb when Trump exited the agreement and reinstated sweeping economic sanctions. In response, Iran gradually escalated its enrichment activities. Initially, it exceeded limits slightly to pressure Western powers. By early 2021, just before Trump left office, enrichment reached 20 per cent again. Also Read: New photos show White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect taking selfie with weapons before attack Efforts by the administration of Joe Biden to revive the deal ultimately failed. During this period, Iran pushed enrichment to unprecedented levels of up to 60 per cent, dangerously close to weapons-grade. With Trump returning to office in 2025, Iran’s uranium stockpile grew at its fastest pace since monitoring started. That same year, during a 12-day conflict, US forces struck key Iranian nuclear facilities, including enrichment sites at Natanz and Fordow, as well as uranium storage tunnels near Isfahan. One month later, Iran halted cooperation with the IAEA., effectively ending international oversight of its nuclear program. Without on-site inspections and despite continued satellite surveillance, the location of Iran’s 11-ton uranium stockpile remains unknown. The material itself presents a challenge. Radioactive and chemically hazardous, parts of it may now be hidden or buried beneath rubble from the strikes, making access and verification extremely difficult. Even if Iran were to recover the uranium, experts caution that converting it into a functional nuclear warhead would take months, if not over a year. They also stress that Iran did not pose an immediate nuclear threat at the time the war started. https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-warns-of-election-threat-amid-rising-tensions-in-occupied-ukrainian-regions-1777491897975/embed The Trump administration maintains that US satellites are tracking the buried stockpile and argues that the material is of limited use due to damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and expertise. However, analysts dispute this assessment. Some believe Iran may have established a covert enrichment facility within mountain tunnels near Isfahan, an area also believed to house much of the uranium. If true, this raises the possibility that Iran retains the capability to resume enrichment operations secretly, potentially advancing toward weapons-grade material beyond international scrutiny. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations, and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran’s 11-ton uranium stockpile remains unaccounted for after US strikes, raising fresh concerns over hidden enrichment and future nuclear risks

Iran’s 11-ton enriched uranium mystery deepens post US strikes. Where is it now?

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Secret sites in China reveal Xi's nuclear aggression | Gravitas

2,000-foot tube, laser tests and more: China builds towns to expand nukes

China claims Japan has enough plutonium for 5,500 nuclear warheads

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

Pentagon draws up new nuclear strategy in the event of war with Russia and China

Marco Rubio claims US has upper hand over Iran in West Asia war

Scientists make a startling discovery about the Hiroshima atomic bombing

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Physicist warns of unseen threat in space, blames humans for a 'doomsday system'

How a B-2 bomber makes nuclear deterrence different?

For years, US kept nuclear bombers in the air 24 hours a day, every single day

Scientists say nuclear weapons could be lurking in space undetected

Lithuania moves to end ban on nuclear weapons and foreign bases

Lithuania to lift ban on nuclear weapons & foreign military bases

65 nuclear B-52s were airborne 24/7 during the Cuban Missile Crisis

Russia says nuclear weapons are ‘only thing’ preventing global war

Inside the B-52's 27-foot bomb bay built for nuclear weapons

A single B-52 can carry 70,000 pounds of bombs!

The day a B-52 dropped 4 hydrogen bombs over Spain

How many times has the US Air Force's B-52 bomber crashed?

Iran Already Has Two 'Nuclear Weapons,' Does It Have A Third?

America Spends $69 Billion on New Nukes as Shadow of Nuclear War Havoc Grows

India Among Four Nations With a Fully Operational Nuclear Triad

Nuclear spending hits $119B: How much did India spend?

US Tops Global Nuclear Spending in 2025 | 9 Nations Spent Over $470 Bn in 5 Years

US weighs deploying nuclear weapons in more NATO states: Report