Europe is playing a more active role in nuclear security, strengthening partnerships among France, the U.K., Germany, and others amid doubts about U.S. reliability.

A new SIPRI yearbook warns that the world’s nine nuclear-armed states are modernizing and expanding their arsenals rather than pursuing disarmament, heightening nuclear risks and fueling an arms race.

Overall, the report flags a rising role for nuclear weapons in security policy and renewed momentum in modernization, with less transparency and greater risk of renewed competition.

The New START treaty between the United States and Russia expired in February without a successor, allowing potential deployment of hundreds more warheads while reducing transparency on capabilities.

The article frames risks around recent geopolitical events and statements by U.S. and Russian leaders to illustrate a heightened risk environment.

The total stockpile fell slightly year over year, but about 100 more warheads were deployed and became operational in 2026, signaling greater reliance on deterrence.

Dialogue among nuclear powers is eroding and strategic postures are growing more ambiguous, worsening instability especially in Northern Europe amid NATO-Russia tensions.

Between roughly 2,100 and 2,200 warheads are on high alert, mainly belonging to Russia and the United States, with Britain and France contributing smaller portions.

In 2025 about 4,012 warheads were deployed on missiles and aircraft, signaling expanding deployment across delivery systems.

More than 2,100–2,200 warheads sit on high alert on ballistic missiles, primarily held by Russia and the United States, with Britain and France holding smaller shares.

Europe faces heightened vulnerability amid security pressures, a less reliable U.S. partnership, disrupted supply chains, and higher energy prices tied to Middle East conflicts.

European countries are rethinking security roles, with France proposing extended nuclear deterrence discussions with partners and debates in Poland about a domestic program.