Nuclear weapons: Who owns what

[warriorwitch]

Nuclear weapons: Who owns what
(Filed: 09/10/2006)



If, as expected, North Korea's claims to have tested a nuclear weapon are proved true, it will have become the ninth country to possess nuclear arms. All nine keep the exact details of their weapons programmes secret, but analysts have been able to estimate the size of their nuclear arsenals

North Korea
Believed to have enough nuclear material for about half-a-dozen weapons, but estimates vary widely and are unverifiable.

The United States
More than 5,000 strategic warheads (powerful bombs to be fired long distances), and more than 1,000 operational tactical weapons (less powerful, and meant for more close-range battlefield use) Approximately 3,000 reserve warheads.

advertisementRussia
Nearly 5,000 strategic warheads, and approximately 3,500 operational tactical warheads. More than 11,000 other warheads in storage. Exploded its first bomb in 1949.

France
Approximately 350 strategic warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1960.

China
As many as 250 strategic warheads and 150 tactical warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1964.

Britain
About 200 strategic warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1952.

India
Between 45 and 95 nuclear warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1974.

Pakistan
Between 30 and 50 nuclear warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1998.

Israel
Refuses to confirm that it has nuclear weapons, but is generally assumed to have up to 200 nuclear warheads. Unknown when it may have carried out a test explosion.

[david]

I think there are a lot more than listed and a far few who would be ready to use them.
Korea has only done this because it considers that there is an invasion threat from the USA you cannot really blame them.

It is a scary time though

[Jeni Treehugger]

warriorwitch said:

India
Between 45 and 95 nuclear warheads. Exploded its first bomb in 1974.

Which was called the smiling bullet!
Just a bit of trivial there for you.

[warriorwitch]

Nuclear weapons test by North Korea
North Korea says it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said it set off a successful underground blast in defiance of international warnings not to go ahead.

The reported nuclear test sparked condemnation from world powers who said that, if confirmed, it would be a serious threat to regional stability.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency said the underground test was performed successfully "with indigenous wisdom and technology 100%," and that no radiation leaked from that test site.

KCNA said in a statement: "It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability. It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the area around it."

An official at South Korea's seismic monitoring centre confirmed that a magnitude 3.6-tremor felt at the time of alleged North Korea nuclear test was not a natural occurrence.

The US Geological Survey said it recorded a seismic event with a preliminary magnitude of 4.2 in north eastern North Korea that coincided with the country's announced nuclear test.

Japan's top government spokesman said a North Korean test would post a serious threat to stability in the region and a provocation.

China, the North's closest ally, said Beijing "resolutely opposes" the North Korean nuclear test and hopes Pyongyang will return to disarmament talks.

The UN Security Council was expected to discuss the reported North Korean test on Monday, and the US and Japan are likely to press for a resolution imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang. The council last week issued a statement condemning plans for a test.