The number of nuclear warheads available for use grew to around 9,576 in January 2022 - 86 more than the previous year - according to new estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The think tank also expressed concern over a drop in transparency and arms control cooperation over nuclear arsenals between the US and Russia amid deteriorating relations since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

SIPRI noted that while Britain “is not thought to have increased its nuclear weapon arsenal in 2022, the warhead stockpile is expected to grow” in the future. This follows the 2021 decision to increase Britain’s warhead limit by over 40 percent, up to 260 warheads. SIPRI also raised concern over Britain's decision to limit public disclosure on its nuclear weapons programme.

CND General Secretary Kate Hudson said SIPRI's latest assessment “brings a new warning: the reduction of nuclear arsenals – since the end of the Cold War – is in reverse”. Read CND's article on SIPRI's assessment and Kate's full comment here.