Global Nuclear Weapons Spending Hits Record High in 2023 Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) reported a 13% increase in global spending on nuclear weapons in 2023, reaching $91.4 billion. The surge is attributed to heightened defence budgets amidst geopolitical tensions, with the U.S., China, and Russia leading expenditures. The rise in nuclear capabilities, coupled with drills near borders, points to a concerning trend of growing reliance on nuclear deterrence.

In 2023, global spending on nuclear weapons increased by 13% to a record $91.4 billion, according to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The U.S. led the expenditure with $51.5 billion, followed by China at $11.9 billion, and Russia at $8.3 billion. This increase was primarily driven by heightened defense budgets amid geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In related developments, Russia and Belarus conducted drills involving tactical nuclear weapons near their border. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted an increase in the number of active nuclear warheads to 9,585, highlighting that Russia and the U.S. together hold nearly 90% of these warheads. Both nations have seen continued modernization of their arsenals, with Russia deploying around 36 additional warheads in 2023.

Transparency over nuclear capabilities has declined, and discussions around nuclear-sharing arrangements have intensified. These trends signify a growing reliance on nuclear deterrence, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics.