The world’s nine nuclear-armed states spent a record $119 billion on nuclear weapons in 2025, with the US leading the way. According to a report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the US spent $69.2 billion, more than all other nuclear states combined, and saw the largest increase, at 22%.

Nuclear Spending by Country

China came second, increasing its spending by 7% to $13.5 billion. Britain overtook Russia to become the third-biggest spender, up 17% to $12.6 billion. Russia spent $9.5 billion, an increase of 6%.

The report highlights the growing trend of increased spending on nuclear weapons, with the 2017 Nobel Peace laureate ICAN seeking the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.