North Korea successfully tested intercontinental missile, but this is not the only country that threatens the world with nuclear weapons

The US military believes that the latest missile launched by the DPRK belongs to the intercontinental class. Experts say that it is capable of reaching Alaska, which means it poses a direct threat to the United States.

"A Gift for the Yankees"

North Korea launched the Hwangsong-14 missile on the morning of Tuesday, July 4. On this day, America celebrates Independence Day. The rocket flew 933 km in 39 minutes - not far, but this is because it was launched very high. Highest point trajectory was located at a distance of 2,802 km above sea level.

The Hwangsong-14 rocket before launch. Photo: Reuters/KCNA

She fell into the sea between North Korea and Japan.

But if Pyongyang had a goal to attack any country, the missile would be capable of covering a distance of 7000-8000 km, which is enough to reach not only Japan, but also Alaska.

North Korea says it is capable of equipping its missile with a nuclear warhead. Nuclear weapons experts question whether Pyongyang currently has the technology to produce sufficiently compact warheads.

However, the tests of Hwangsong-14 occurred earlier and were more successful than expected, an American expert from missile weapons John Schilling.

"Even if it's a missile with a range of 7,000 km, a missile with a range of 10,000 km that could hit New York is not a distant prospect," the head of the nuclear weapons nonproliferation program told The New York Times. East Asia Middlebury Institute of International Studies Geoffrey Lewis.

Approximate range of the Hwangsong-14 missile. Infographic: CNN

The launch demonstrated that no sanctions apply to the DPRK. On the contrary, threats only encourage the country's leader Kim Jong-un to continue to rattle his weapons and demonstrate the power of his arsenal.

After the tests, according to the State News Agency, he North Korea, said the US wouldn't like a "package of gifts for their Independence Day." Kim Jong-un ordered scientists and military personnel to “send large and small gift packages to the Yankees more often.”

China and Russia issued a joint statement calling on the DPRK to stop its missile and nuclear programs, and the United States and South Korea to refrain from conducting large-scale military exercises.

However, Washington did not heed the calls of Moscow and Beijing. On Wednesday morning, they carried out demonstration launches of Hyunmu II missiles, which are capable of hitting targets at a distance of 800 km.

Tensions are rising and the world is talking about nuclear war. However, North Korea is not the only country capable of starting it. Today, seven more countries officially have a nuclear arsenal. We can safely add Israel to them, although it has never officially admitted that it has nuclear weapons.

Russia is the leader in terms of quantity

The United States and Russia together own 93% of the world's nuclear arsenal.

Distribution of the world's nuclear arsenal. Infographic: Arms Control Association, Hans M. Kristensen, Robert S. Norris, U.S. Department of State

According to official and unofficial estimates, the Russian Federation has a total of 7,000 nuclear weapons. Such data is provided by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the American organization Arms Control Association.

According to data exchanged between the Russian Federation and the United States as part of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, as of April 2017, Russia had 1,765 strategic warheads.

They are deployed on 523 long-range missiles, submarines and strategic bombers. But this is only about deployed, that is, ready-to-use nuclear weapons.

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that Russia has approximately 2,700 non-deployed strategic, as well as deployed and non-deployed tactical warheads. In addition, 2,510 warheads are awaiting dismantlement.

Russia, as the National Interest website claims in a number of publications, is modernizing its nuclear weapons. And in some respects it was ahead of its main enemy - the United States.

It is at them that the power of the Russian military is mainly directed. nuclear potential. And Russian propagandists never tire of reminding us of this. The most striking in this matter was, of course, Dmitry Kiselev with his “nuclear ash”.

However, there are also opposing assessments, according to which the lion's share of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads are hopelessly outdated.

USA at a crossroads

In total, the Americans currently have 6,800 nuclear weapons. Of these deployed, according to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty as of April 2017, 1,411 are strategic warheads. They are deployed on 673 long-range missiles, submarines and strategic bombers.

FAS assumes that in addition the US has 2,300 non-deployed strategic warheads and 500 deployed and non-deployed tactical warheads. And another 2,800 warheads await dismantling.

With its arsenal, the United States threatens many adversaries, not only Russia.

For example, the same North Korea and Iran. However, according to many experts, it is outdated and needs modernization.

Interestingly, in 2010, Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev signed the aforementioned Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, also known as the “Fresh Start”. But the same Obama stimulated the deployment of missile defense systems in the United States and Europe, his administration launched the process of developing and deploying new ground-based launchers for long-range missiles.

The Trump administration has plans to continue the process of modernizing weapons, including nuclear,

Nuclear Europe

Among the European countries, the only ones that have nuclear arsenals are France and Great Britain. The first is armed with 300 nuclear warheads. Most of them are equipped to launch from submarines. France has four of them. A small number - for launch from the air, from strategic bombers.

The British have 120 strategic warheads. Of these, 40 are deployed at sea on four submarines. This is, in fact, the country's only type of nuclear weapons - it has neither ground nor air forces armed with nuclear warheads.

In addition, the UK has 215 warheads stored at bases but not deployed.

Secret China

Since Beijing has never made public information about its nuclear arsenal, it can only be estimated. In June 2016, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists suggested that China has a total of 260 nuclear warheads. Also available information indicates that it increases their number.

China also has all three main methods of delivering nuclear weapons - land-based installations, nuclear submarines and strategic bombers.

One of China's newest intercontinental ballistic missiles Dongfeng-41 (DF41) in January 2017 was located near the border with Russia. But in addition to difficult relations with Moscow, Beijing also has tense relations with neighboring India.

There is also an unconfirmed theory that China is helping North Korea develop its nuclear program.

Sworn neighbors

India and Pakistan, unlike the previous five countries, are developing their nuclear program outside the framework of the 1968 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. At the same time, both countries have a long-standing enmity, regularly threaten each other with the use of force, and armed incidents regularly occur on the Indo-Pakistani border.

But in addition, they also have other conflicting relationships. For India it is China, and for Pakistan it is Israel.

Both countries do not hide the fact that they have nuclear programs, but their details are not publicly disclosed.

India is believed to have between 100 and 120 nuclear warheads in its inventory. The country is actively developing its arsenal. One of the latest achievements was the successful testing of Agni-5 and Agni-6 intercontinental missiles, which are capable of delivering warheads to a distance of 5000-6000 km.

At the end of 2016, India commissioned its first nuclear-powered submarine, the Arihant. It also plans to purchase from France 36 Rafale combat aircraft by 2019, capable of carrying nuclear weapon. The country currently has several older aircraft for this purpose - the French Mirage, the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar and the Russian Su-30.

Pakistan has between 110 and 130 nuclear warheads in its inventory. The country began to develop its nuclear program after India conducted its first nuclear weapons test in 1974. She is also in the process of expanding her arsenal.

Currently, Pakistan's nuclear missiles are short and medium range. There are rumors that he is developing the Taimur intercontinental missile with a range of 7,000 km. The country also intends to build its own nuclear submarine. And Pakistan's Mirage and F16 aircraft are rumored to have been modified to carry nuclear weapons.

Israel's deliberate ambiguity

SIPRI, FAS and other organizations that monitor the development of nuclear weapons in the world claim that Israel has 80 nuclear warheads in its arsenal. In addition, it has stockpiles of fissile material to manufacture an additional 200 warheads.

Israel, like India and Pakistan, has not signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, thereby retaining the right to develop them. But unlike India and Pakistan, it has never announced its nuclear program and pursues a so-called policy of deliberate ambiguity on this issue.

In practice, this means that Israel never confirms or denies the assumption that it has nuclear weapons.

It is believed that Israel developed nuclear warheads in a secret underground plant located in the middle of the desert. It is also assumed that he has all three main means suitable for delivery: ground launchers, submarines and combat aircraft.

Israel is understandable. It is surrounded on all sides by states hostile to it, which do not hide their desire to “throw Israel into the sea.” However, the policy of ambiguity is often criticized by those who consider it a manifestation of double standards.

Iran, which also tried to develop a nuclear program, was severely punished for this. Israel did not experience any sanctions.

Reading time: 11 min.

On the list nuclear countries as of 2018 there are ten major powers. Data on how many nuclear warheads a particular country has are located in Stockholm at the International Peace Research Institute. The “Nuclear Club” includes 9 states that, according to official data, have weapons of mass destruction. Our Big Rating magazine has prepared a rating for you - nuclear countries for 2018.

Iran

Nuclear warheads - no information.
Date of first test: no information.
Date of last test: no information available.
Today everyone knows which states have nuclear capabilities. And according to official reports, Iran has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. But this country has never stopped experimenting with developing nuclear capabilities, and there are persistent rumors that this power has its own nuclear warheads. The Iranian authorities claim that they can easily create nuclear weapons for themselves, but for now they have decided not to do this, since they use uranium only for scientific research. The IAEA monitors Iran's nuclear work; this agreement was concluded in 2015, but the situation may soon change. October 2017 - US President Donald Trump claims that the United States is no longer interested in this treaty. No one can predict how these words will change the overall political situation.

DPRK

Nuclear warheads – 10-60.
Date of first test: 2006.
Date of last test: 2017.
The DPRK was included in the list of states that have nuclear weapons in 2018, which greatly frightened the entire Western world. North Korea began its first work on the atom in the middle of the last century, when the United States began to threaten Pyongyang with a nuclear attack. And then the frightened government began to seek support from the Soviet Union and China. Developments in the nuclear field started back in 1970 and were suspended in the nineties, with an improvement in the political climate. And as soon as the political situation cracked again, the development of nuclear weapons was resumed. Since 2004, North Korea began preparing for its first nuclear test. The military department argued that the test would pass with only a harmless goal - space exploration. Intrigue surrounds the number of warheads that North Korea has in its arsenal. Some sources claim that there are about twenty of them, others claim that the exact figure is sixty.

Israel

Nuclear warheads – 80.
Date of first test: 1979.
Date of last test: 1979.
Israel, in its best traditions, has never claimed that it has nuclear weapons, but it has never denied the opposite. Israel “added fuel to the fire” by not signing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In addition, Israel, without a twinge of conscience, monitors the development of nuclear potential in all its neighbors. And if he sees the point in this, then he bombs the nuclear centers of other powers. This is how he resolved the conflict with Iraq in 1981. If you believe unconfirmed data, then the “promised land” had the opportunity to create nuclear weapons back in 1979. That same year, flashes of light were observed in the South Atlantic that were very similar to a nuclear explosion. There is a version that either Israel, or South Africa, or these two countries at the same time, are responsible for these explosions.

India

Nuclear warheads – 120-130.
Date of first test: 1974.

India first tested nuclear weapons back in 1974, but it agreed to the status of a nuclear country only at the end of the last century. After India detonated as many as three shells on one day in May 1998, literally three days later it forever refused to engage in nuclear weapons.

Pakistan

Nuclear warheads – 130-140.
Date of first test: 1998.
Date of last test: 1998.
Pakistan, which is India's neighbor and often at odds with it, is also not lagging behind in developing nuclear capabilities. After India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, Pakistan began to actively develop nuclear capabilities. According to the then government, they decided to work on the atom immediately after India, even if it would be necessary to eat only water. And they did make atomic weapons, albeit with a delay of two decades. After India conducted another nuclear test in 1998, Pakistan, determined not to be outdone, detonated a pair of nuclear warheads at Chagai (a military test site).

Great Britain

Nuclear warheads – 215.
Date of first test: 1952.
Date of last test: 1991.
The UK remains the only nuclear-armed country that has not conducted a nuclear test on its own soil. Britain carried out every nuclear test in Australia or in the waters Pacific Ocean, but in 1991 they suddenly stopped their experiments. David Cameron in 2015 “added fuel to the fire” by saying that the British government could, if necessary, drop several nuclear warheads. But who he threatened still remains a mystery.

China

Nuclear warheads – 270.
Date of first test: 1964.
Date of last test: 1996.
China remains the only country that has promised not to bomb (or threaten to bomb) non-nuclear powers. In 2011, the Chinese government made public its decision that a minimum level of nuclear weapons would be maintained. But since that time, developers in the military sphere have come up with as many as four types of ballistic missiles that are capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Therefore, the minimum level of weapons remains an open question.

France

Nuclear warheads – 300.
Date of first test: 1960.
Date of last test: 1995.
During the entire period of their nuclear testing, the French carried out more than two hundred explosions, starting from tests in Algeria, which was then a colony of France, and ending with two atolls of French Polynesia. This country has never entered into negotiations with other powers on a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue. France did not support a moratorium on nuclear testing in the 50s last century, did not become a member of the treaty banning military experiments with nuclear weapons in the 60s. Only in the late nineties did it become a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty

USA

Nuclear warheads - 6800.
Date of first test: 1945.
Date of last test: 1992.
The state with the most fearsome army on the planet is also a pioneer in nuclear tests. The United States was the first to carry out a nuclear explosion, and was also the first to use nuclear warheads in a war with another state. Since that time, the United States has released more than 66.5 thousand atomic weapons, with more than a hundred different variations. The basis of the nuclear weapons of the United States is the ballistic missile, with a variety of modifications. The American government refused to participate in the negotiations on the unconditional renunciation of nuclear weapons that started in May of this year (by the way, like the Russian Federation). The military doctrine of the United States confirms that Americans will reserve the right to a certain amount of weapons that will guarantee their own security, as well as the security of countries friendly to them. In addition, America promised not to bomb non-nuclear countries, unless, of course, they comply with the terms of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Russia

Nuclear warheads – 7000.
Date of first test: 1949.
Date of last test: 1990.
Russia received nuclear weapons from the USSR - all available nuclear warheads were collected from all military points of the former Soviet Union. According to official sources, the government Russian Federation, nuclear weapons will only be used in response to such military actions against their country. Or if Russia's very existence is threatened by military action without the use of nuclear warheads, it can still use them against the enemy, but this is the most extreme case.

Is military action possible between North Korea and the United States?

The end of the last century was marked by people's fear of military action between Pakistan and India, and now everyone is afraid of a possible nuclear conflict between the DPRK and the United States. The United States first threatened North Korea in 1953, but once North Korea had its own atomic bomb, the conflict moved to a completely different level. Pyongyang and Washington respond to each other very aggressively and the question becomes urgent: will there be a nuclear battle between the United States and North Korea? This may well be the case if President Trump believes that the Koreans are very dangerous because they can make an intercontinental missile that can sink all of America.
Nuclear warheads have been located near the DPRK border since 1957, by order of the US government. Korean politicians say that almost the entire territory of America is within the reach of North Korea's nuclear warheads.

What position will Russia take in the conflict between North Korea and the United States?

The pact concluded between Russia and North Korea does not imply that Russia will take any side in the war. IN general concept, this means that if hostilities begin, Russia can be neutral, naturally it will only have to condemn the action of the attacking side. In the worst case scenario, Vladivostok could be covered in radioactive fallout from the destroyed North Korean facilities.

Have you noticed that the further you go, the more incomprehensible the processes occurring on the planet become. It is explainable. Firstly, there are more and more residents. Secondly, they are not sitting on a palm tree, but developing. But their creations are not always safe. Therefore, it is necessary for a person to understand where the threats lurk. It is proposed to study the list of countries that have politicians and the military closely monitoring what is happening inside these states. Yes, and you and I need to take a closer look, is it going to burn?

What are we talking about?

Before talking about how many countries in the world have nuclear weapons, it is necessary to define the concepts. The fact is that not everyone imagines the strength and power of the described threat. Nuclear weapons are a means of mass extermination of populations. If (God forbid) someone dares to use it, then there will not be a single person left on the planet who has not suffered as a result of such an act. Some will simply be destroyed, the rest will be subject to secondary risks. The nuclear arsenal includes the devices themselves, the means of “delivery” and control. Fortunately this complex systems. To create them, you need to have the appropriate technologies, which reduces the risk of joining the “owners club.” Therefore, the list of countries with nuclear weapons remains unchanged for a long time.

A little history

Back in 1889, the Curies discovered strange behavior in some elements. They discovered the principle of releasing huge amounts of energy during the process of their decay. This topic was studied by D. Cockcroft and other great minds. And in 1934 L. Szilard received a patent for atomic bomb. He was the first to figure out how to put the discovery into practice. We will not delve into the reasons for its work. However, there were many who wanted to take advantage of the discovery.

Such weapons were then believed to be the key to world domination. There is no need to use it. Swing it like a club, everyone will obey in fear. By the way, the principle has been around for almost a century. All nuclear powers, the list of which is given below, have significant, compared to others, weight on the world stage. Of course, many people don't like this. But this is the order of things, according to philosophers.

Which countries are nuclear powers

It is clear that technologies could not be created by undeveloped states that do not have an appropriate scientific and industrial base.

Although this is not all that is needed to create such complex devices. Therefore, the list of countries with nuclear weapons is small. It includes eight or nine states. Are you surprised by this uncertainty? Now let's explain what the problem is. But first, let's give a list of them. List of countries with nuclear weapons: Russia, USA, Great Britain, France, China, Pakistan, India. These states were able to implement Curie's discovery to varying degrees. Their arsenals differ in composition and, naturally, in threats. However, one bomb is believed to be enough to destroy life.

On the discrepancies in the quantitative composition of the “nuclear club”

This is the kind of intrigue that exists on the planet. Some experts include Israel on the list of countries with nuclear weapons. The state itself does not recognize that it can already be included in this “club”. However, there is some indirect evidence that Israel does possess lethal weapons. In addition, some states are secretly working on creating their own nuclear “baton”. They talk a lot about Iran, which does not hide it. Only the government of this country recognizes the development of the “peaceful atom” carried out in its laboratories. I am inclined to believe that such a program, if successful, will make it possible to create weapons of mass destruction. Experts say this. They also say that nuclear powers supply technology to their “satellites.” This is done for political purposes to strengthen their own influence. Thus, some experts are trying to convict the United States of supplying nuclear weapons to its partners. So far no one has presented any recognized evidence to the world.

About the positive effects

Not all experts consider nuclear weapons only a threat to the existence of the planet. In times of crisis, it, oddly enough, can act a powerful weapon"peace enforcement" The fact is that some leaders consider it possible to resolve claims and conflicts by military means. This, of course, does not bring good to people. Wars mean death and destruction, a brake on the development of civilization. It was like that before. Today the situation is different. All countries are connected in one way or another. As they say, the world has become very small and cramped. It is almost impossible to fight without hurting the “nuclear club.” A power that has such a “club” can use it in the event of a serious threat. Therefore, you have to calculate the risks before using conventional weapons. It turned out that peace is guaranteed by members of the “nuclear club”.

About differences in arsenals

Of course, the club of the “chosen ones” is not homogeneous. Countries have completely disparate parameters. If the USA and the Russian Federation have a so-called triad, then other states are limited in the potential use of their bombs. Strong countries (USA, RF) have carriers of all types. These include: ballistic missiles, air bombs, submarines. That is, it can be delivered to the point of impact by land, air and sea. Other members of the “nuclear club” have not yet achieved such development. The issue is further complicated by the fact that powers do not seek to reveal their secrets. Estimates of their nuclear arsenals are very relative. Negotiations are being conducted in strict confidence. Although efforts are being made constantly to establish parity. Nuclear weapons are currently not a military, but a political factor. Many politicians and specialists are working to ensure that this state of affairs remains unchanged. Nobody wants to die.

Modern scientists, engineers and military personnel have managed to create unique weapon, which is much more powerful than the one used by America in 1945 during the bombing of Japanese cities. After this incident, many countries began to develop nuclear weapons and accumulate them in large quantities. IN modern conditions For some countries, the presence of nuclear weapons is a necessary element of security.
It is interesting to know which countries have the greatest nuclear potential, because they can be considered superpowers. For this reason, the top most powerful and powerful nuclear powers in the world in 2015 have been compiled. Both official and unofficial information were used.

10. Iran

• Start of testing: absent
• Completion of tests: absent
• Nuclear potential: 2.4 tons of uranium
• : ratified

This country is constantly accused of illegal storage and development of nuclear weapons. Iran has never conducted a test in its history. The government signed an agreement banning nuclear weapons tests.

There is a lot of information that Iran is capable of producing one unit of this weapon per year. At the same time, engineers must spend at least five years building a full-fledged bomb. Between Western countries and the government of Iran, on the nuclear issue, conflicts constantly occur. According to representatives of the country, developments are carried out exclusively for peaceful purposes to support the energy program.

When the first international review took place in 1979, the Iranian government froze its nuclear program. After 20 years, the program was resumed again. Later, the UN imposed sanctions to halt the development of the nuclear program and maintain peace in Asia.

9.

• Start of testing
• Completion of tests: probably 1979
• Nuclear potential: up to 400 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): ratified

So far, Israel has unofficial status as the owner of nuclear weapons. Presumably the first and last tests were carried out in 1979. Israel has all the methods and technologies with which nuclear bombs can be delivered anywhere in the world. In 1950, engineers built the first reactor, and ten years later the first weapon.

So far, Israel has not developed a nuclear program, although many European countries actively support him. Previously there was information that mini-bombs had been created that could be installed even in small suitcases for transportation. According to some documents, neutron bombs are also available.

8. North Korea

• Start of testing: October 9, 2006
• Completion of tests: January 6, 2016
• Nuclear potential: approximately 20 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): not ratified

This country has the official status of a nuclear power. The test was carried out in 2006, and the last tests were carried out in 2009. What is noteworthy is that this country has not signed a corresponding agreement with the world community on containment nuclear threat. Availability of a large arsenal of weapons mass destruction allows us to talk about this country as a strong nuclear power. There are several working nuclear reactors.
North Korea has several successful tests, information about which was obtained after a thorough seismic analysis. The peculiarity of North Korea is its aggressive foreign policy and failure to recognize a number of rules and international norms, which allows it to be considered one of the strongest nuclear countries in the world. In 2016, the DPRK tested a medium-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, which raised serious concerns among the world superpowers. After this, even tougher economic sanctions were applied to the country, designed to contain North Korea's nuclear program.

7.

• Start of testing: May 28, 1998
• Completion of tests: May 30, 1998
• Nuclear potential: up to 90 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): not ratified

In the ranking of the strongest and most powerful nuclear powers in the world, Pakistan is in seventh position. The first tests were carried out in the late 90s. The government did not sign the corresponding agreement.
The country had to restart its nuclear program to respond to India's tests. It is this situation that is key in the decision of the Pakistani authorities to create nuclear weapons and thus protect themselves from possible military aggression from the outside. A considerable amount of time and money was spent on this program. Ultimately, the country justified all the costs and was able to achieve a positive effect.

Development first began in the middle of the last century, but later one of the presidents curtailed the nuclear program. It was reported that if the situation escalates, it will be possible to purchase weapons from other countries rather than create their own.

6.

• Start of testing: 1974
• Completion of tests: 1998
• Nuclear potential: up to 95 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): not ratified

India tested nuclear weapons for the first time in 1974. IN last time tests were carried out in 1998. The country has many warheads in its arsenal that can be delivered anywhere in the world. In addition, India has a submarine fleet capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
After the latest tests, sanctions were imposed against India by Japan, the United States, as well as many other countries in the Western world.

5. China

• Start of testing: 1964
• Completion of tests: 1964
• Nuclear potential: up to 240 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): ratified

The first tests were carried out in 1964. The last time a launch was carried out was in 1996. Several hundred units of deadly nuclear weapons are a guarantor of the country's security. The government has signed an international treaty on nuclear weapons. In 1964, the first nuclear bomb was tested. Three years later, in 1967, tests were carried out again, but this time a hydrogen bomb was used.
It is noteworthy that China is the only nuclear state that has given guarantees to those countries that do not have nuclear weapons. There is a special document in which all guarantees are confirmed and apply to many countries of the world.

4.

• Start of testing: 1960
• Completion of tests: 1995
• Nuclear potential: more than 300 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): signed

In the ranking of the most powerful and strong nuclear powers France is always present in the world. The first tests were made in 1960. The country has signed and fully ratified a treaty that prohibits any testing.

The first developments began after World War II, but the weapon was created only in 1958. Two years later, tests were carried out, which made it possible to verify the quality and reliability of the created arsenal. France has several hundred nuclear weapons.

3.

• Start of testing: 1952
• Completion of tests: 1991
• Nuclear potential: at least 225 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): signed

The first tests were carried out in the middle of the last century. And the last test was in 1991. The arsenal contains more than two hundred nuclear weapons. The UK has signed and ratified the Nuclear Weapons Treaty. New technologies and developments allowed us to enter the top three among the most powerful nuclear powers in the world 2015 of the year.

They maintain mutual cooperation with many countries, including the United States, regarding defense and peace. Additionally, the secret services of both countries constantly exchange a large amount of classified information, which is used solely for security purposes.

2. Russia

• Start of testing: 1949
• Completion of tests: 1990
• Nuclear potential: 2,825 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): signed

The official launch of the first bomb took place in 1949. The last time tests were carried out was in 1990. There are slightly less than three thousand nuclear weapons in storage.
Exactly Soviet Union became the second country after the United States to launch nuclear weapons. After the first test, several hundred additional tests and checks were carried out using new developments and technologies. At the moment, Russia is in second position in the ranking, with the most powerful nuclear powers in the world. The correct budget allocation policy and the use of our own developments allowed us to occupy such a high position.

At the moment, one of the bombs is the heaviest of all existing ones. The charge was planned for one hundred thousand kilotons, but it was decided to use half as much because there was a possibility of a fallout large quantity precipitation. And it is worth considering the fact that Russia has the technology to produce hydrogen bombs.

1. USA

• Start of testing: 1945
• Completion of tests: 1992
• Nuclear potential: 5,113 warheads
• Test Ban Treaty (CTBT Resolution): ratified

Many people know that the first launch of a nuclear weapon was carried out in 1945, and the last test in 1992. Total There are more than five thousand weapons in the arsenal.
Over the course of its existence, more than a thousand different tests have been carried out. This allows us to say that the United States is the most powerful nuclear power in the world. given time. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are available that can deliver a nuclear weapon to a distance of 13,000 km. It is also worth noting that the United States of America has a year of surpassing its competitors in many quantitative and qualitative characteristics.
Information about several dozen facilities that are key to the development of the nuclear program is kept in the strictest secrecy.

The arms race in the 20th century encouraged powers to develop under the plausible pretext of deterring nuclear attacks. In fact, some countries categorically deny their involvement in combat tests, even though indirect evidence indicates the presence of a nuclear arsenal on their territory.

But, whatever the position, scientists and ordinary mortals interested in the issue understand: if the bombing begins, then the historical “Little Boy” and “Fat Man” dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 will seem like an amateur performance in comparison with that fiery cauldron , which will begin on the planet. Considering the current capabilities of the nuclear arsenal of some countries. Whatever one may say, the most powerful nuclear bomb was made under the USSR.

Nuclear arsenal of countries, number of nuclear warheads by country 2017/2018

A country	Nuclear program	Number of nuclear arsenal (warheads)
	Second country to develop nuclear weapons. It has the largest arsenal of any country and is investing heavily in modernizing its warheads and launch vehicles.	7000
	The first country to develop nuclear weapons and the only country to use them in war. The US spends the most on its nuclear arsenal.	6800
	Most nuclear warheads are carried on submarines equipped with M45 and M51 missiles. One boat is on patrol 24/7. Some warheads are launched from aircraft.	300
	China has a much smaller arsenal than the US and Russia. Its warheads are launched from the air, from land and from sea. China is increasing the size of its nuclear arsenal.	270
	It maintains a fleet of four nuclear submarines in Scotland, each with 16 Trident missiles. The UK Parliament voted in 2016 to modernize its nuclear forces.	215
	It is significantly improving its nuclear arsenal and related infrastructure. IN last years he increased the size of the nuclear arsenal.	120-130
	India has developed nuclear weapons in violation of non-proliferation obligations. It increases the size of the nuclear arsenal and expands launch capabilities.	110-120
	It maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal, neither confirming nor denying its existence. As a result, there is little information or discussion about it.	80
	North Korea has a new nuclear program. Its arsenal probably contains fewer than 10 warheads. It is unclear whether he has the capacity to deliver them. We wrote the nuclear bomb of North Korea.	10
	Total	14900 warheads

Nuclear Club list of countries

Russia

• Russia received most of its atomic weapons after the collapse of the USSR, when mass disarmament and removal of nuclear warheads to Russia were carried out at the military bases of the former Soviet republics.
• Officially, the country has a nuclear resource of 7,000 warheads and ranks first in the world in terms of weapons, of which 1,950 are deployed.
• The former Soviet Union conducted its first test in 1949 with a ground launch of an RDS-1 rocket from the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan.
• The Russian position regarding nuclear weapons is to use them in response to a similar attack. Or in case of attacks with conventional weapons, if this threatens the existence of the country.

USA

• The case of two missiles dropped on two cities in Japan in 1945 is the first and only example of a combat atomic attack. Thus, the United States became the first country to carry out an atomic explosion. Today it is also the country with the most powerful army in the world. Official estimates report 6,800 active units, with 1,800 deployed in combat status.
• The last US nuclear test was carried out in 1992. The US takes the position that it has sufficient weapons for its own defense and defense allied states from attack.

France

• After World War II, the country did not pursue the goal of developing its own weapons of mass destruction. However, after Vietnam War and the loss of its colonies in Indochina, the country's government reconsidered its views, and since 1960 it conducted nuclear tests, first in Algeria, and then on two uninhabited coral islands in French Polynesia.
• In total, the country conducted 210 tests, the most powerful of which were the Canopus in 1968 and the Unicorn in 1970. There is information about the presence of 300 nuclear warheads, 280 of which are located on deployed carriers.
• The scale of the global armed confrontation clearly demonstrated that the longer the French government ignores peaceful initiatives to curb weapons, the better for France. Even France acceded to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty proposed by the UN in 1996 only in 1998.

China

• China. The first test of atomic weapons under code name China held “596” in 1964, opening the way to the top five residents of the Nuclear Club.
• Modern China has 270 warheads in storage. Since 2011, the country has adopted a policy of minimal weapons, which will be used only in case of danger. And the developments of Chinese military scientists are in no way behind the leaders in weapons, Russia and the United States, and since 2011 they have presented to the world four new modifications of ballistic weapons with the ability to load them with nuclear warheads.
• There is a joke that China is based on the number of its compatriots, who make up the largest diaspora in the world, when talking about the “minimum necessary” number of combat units.

Great Britain

• Great Britain, like a true lady, although it is one of the leading Five nuclear powers, has not practiced such indecency as atomic testing on its own territory. All tests were carried out away from British lands, in Australia and in the Pacific Ocean.
• She began her nuclear career in 1952 with the activation nuclear bomb with a capacity of more than 25 kilotons of TNT on board the frigate Plym, anchored near Pacific Islands Montebello. In 1991, testing was stopped. Officially, the country has 215 charges, of which 180 are located on deployed carriers.
• The UK actively opposes the use of nuclear ballistic missiles, although there was a precedent in 2015, when Prime Minister David Cameron cheered up the international community with the message that the country, if desired, could demonstrate the launch of a couple of charges. The minister did not specify in which direction the nuclear greeting would fly.

Young nuclear powers

Pakistan

• Pakistan. The common border with India and Pakistan prevents them from signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty. In 1965, the country's foreign minister said that Pakistan would be ready to begin developing its own nuclear weapons if neighboring India began to do so. His determination was so serious that he promised to put the entire country on bread and water for the sake of protection from armed provocations of India.
• Development of explosive devices has been ongoing for a long time, with variable funding and construction of facilities since 1972. The country conducted its first tests in 1998 at the Chagai training ground. There are about 120-130 nuclear warheads in storage in the country.
• The emergence of a new player in the nuclear market forced many partner countries to impose a ban on the import of Pakistani goods into their territory, which could greatly undermine the country's economy. Fortunately for Pakistan, it had a number of unofficial sponsors who provided funds for nuclear testing. The largest revenues were oil from Saudi Arabia, imported into the country daily at 50 thousand barrels.

India

• The homeland of the most cheerful films was pushed to participate in the nuclear race by its proximity to China and Pakistan. And if China has long been in the position of superpowers and does not pay attention to India, and does not particularly oppress "
• Nuclear power prevented India from venturing out into the open from the very beginning, so the first test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha” in 1974, was carried out secretly, underground. All developments were so classified that the researchers even notified their own Minister of Defense about the tests at the last moment.
• Officially, India admitted that yes, we sin, we have charges, only in the late 1990s. According to modern data, there are 110-120 units in storage in the country.

North Korea

• North Korea. The favorite move of the United States - “showing strength” as an argument in negotiations - was very disliked by the DPRK government back in the mid-1950s. At that time, the United States actively intervened in the Korean War, allowing the atomic bombing of Pyongyang. The DPRK learned its lesson and set a course for militarizing the country.
• Together with the army, which today is the fifth largest in the world, Pyongyang is conducting nuclear research, which until 2017 was not particularly interesting to the world, since it took place under the auspices of space exploration, and relatively peacefully. Sometimes the neighboring lands shook South Korea from medium-sized earthquakes of unknown nature, that’s all the trouble.
• At the beginning of 2017, the “false” news in the media that the United States was sending its aircraft carriers to meaningless promenades off the Korean shores left a residue, and the DPRK, without much concealment, conducted six nuclear tests. Today the country has 10 nuclear units in storage.
• How many other countries are conducting research on developing nuclear weapons is unknown. To be continued.

Suspicions of nuclear weapons storage

There are several known countries suspected of storing nuclear weapons:

• Israel, like the old and wise Reve, is in no hurry to lay his cards on the table, but does not directly deny the presence of nuclear weapons. The “Non-Proliferation Treaty” has also not been signed, and it’s more invigorating than the morning snow. And all that the world has are only rumors about the nuclear tests that the Promised One allegedly conducted since 1979 together with South Africa in the South Atlantic and the presence of 80 nuclear warheads in storage.
• Iraq, according to unverified data, has been storing an unknown number of nuclear weapons for an unknown number of years. “Simply because it can,” they said in the United States, and at the beginning of the 2000s, together with Great Britain, they sent troops into the country. Later they apologized heartily that they were “mistaken.” We didn't expect anything else, gentlemen.
• Came under the same suspicions Iran, due to testing the “peaceful atom” for energy needs. This became the reason to impose sanctions on the country for 10 years. In 2015, Iran pledged to report on uranium enrichment research, and the country was released from sanctions.

Four countries cleared themselves of all suspicion by officially refusing to participate “in these races of yours.” Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine transferred all their capacities to Russia with the collapse of the USSR, although the President of Belarus A. Lukashenko sometimes sighs with a hint of nostalgia that “If only there were any weapons left, they would talk to us differently.” And South Africa, even though it once participated in the development of nuclear power, openly withdrew from the race and lives quietly.

Partly due to the contradictions of internal political forces that opposed nuclear policy, partly due to a lack of necessity. One way or another, some have transferred all power to the cultivation of the “peaceful atom”, and some have abandoned nuclear potential altogether (like Taiwan, after the accident at Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine).

List of countries that have phased out nuclear programs:

• Australia
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Libya
• Egypt
• Taiwan
• Switzerland
• Sweden
• South Korea