Nuclear-armed countries had spent $118.8 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025

ICAN reports that the nine nuclear-armed countries spend $118.8 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025, a 19% rise from the previous year. The United States leads with $69.2 billion, spending more than all other nuclear powers combined, followed by China, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France. India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea also increase their nuclear budgets. The report highlights major contractor profits, lobbying influence, and long-term weapons contracts, while warning that the same money could fund the UN regular budget for decades.

Monday, 8 June, 2026