Washington, Sept. 10 – A United States nonprofit research organization, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), estimates that India’s nuclear arsenal totals about 190 warheads, including 30 additional warheads for missiles still in production.
The FAS assessment draws on open-source data, state‑released information and commercial satellite imagery. Hans Kristensen, director of the FAS Nuclear Information Project, stated that India has produced roughly 190 warheads based on its nuclear‑capable delivery force structure and strategy. The estimate also notes that India could produce enough plutonium for 140 to 225 warheads, with the current stockpile likely to grow as new weapon systems are fielded.
India’s nuclear program continues to modernise. Recent years have seen the introduction of new delivery platforms, and several more are under development to replace or supplement existing aircraft, land‑based launchers and sea‑based systems. The government maintains a no‑first‑use policy and has reiterated its commitment to credible minimum deterrence.
FAS cites the International Panel on Fissile Materials, which estimates that India has produced about 730 kg of weapon‑grade plutonium by early 2026. At roughly four kilograms per warhead, this would theoretically support 140 to 225 warheads, though uncertainties remain about warhead design and the number of launchers capable of deploying them. The analysis concludes that India likely retains some plutonium reserves and will not produce more warheads than its delivery systems can accommodate.
