Atomic Assets: A Look at Countries with Nuclear Capabilities

Introduction

The development and possession of nuclear weapons have been a contentious issues for decades. While some argue that the possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors others argue that the risk of a nuclear accident or the use of such weapons in war out weighs any potential benefits. Nevertheless several countries around the world possess nuclear capabilities in the form of weapons or nuclear power plants. This article will take a closer look at some of the countries that possess atomic assets and the reasons behind their possession.

United States

The United States was the first country to develop nuclear weapons, with the first successful test of a nuclear weapon taking place in 1945. Today, the United States possesses an estimated 5800 nuclear warhead the largest stockpile of any country in the world. The US government has stated that its possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for the country national security. Additionally the United States also uses nuclear power for energy production with 99 nuclear reactors in operation as of 2021.

Russia

Russia, the successor state to the Soviet Union is the second largest possessor of nuclear weapons with an estimated 6375 warheads. Like the United States Russia states that its possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for its national security. Russia also uses nuclear power for energy production with 38 reactors in operation as of 2021.

China

China is the 3RD largest possessor of nuclear weapons with an estimated 320 warheads. The Chinese Government has stated that its possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for its national security. China also uses nuclear power for energy production with 50 reactors in operation as of 2021.

France

France is the Fourth largest possessor of Nuclear weapons with an estimated 300 warheads. The French government has stated that its possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for its national security. France also uses nuclear power for energy production with 56 reactors in operation as of 2021.

United Kingdom

The UK is the fifth largest possessor of nuclear weapons with an estimated 215 warheads.The British government has stated that its possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for its national security. The United Kingdom also uses nuclear power for energy production, with 15 reactors in operation as of 2021.

India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan both countries in South Asia possess nuclear weapons. India is estimated to have around 150 nuclear warheads while Pakistan is estimated to have around 140 nuclear warheads. both countries have stated that their possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for their national security.India and Pakistan have also both conducted nuclear tests in the past.

Israel

Israel is not a declared nuclear power but it is widely believed that the country possesses nuclear weapons with estimates ranging from 80 TO 400 nuclear warheads.The Israeli government has not officially confirmed or denied the possession of nuclear weapons, but it has been stated that the possession of nuclear weapons serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors and is necessary for the countrys national security.