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Source-This post on SIPRI Report on Nuclear Warheads has been created based on the article “China has 500 nuclear warheads, says SIPRI” published in “The Hindu” on 19 June 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, SIPRI released a report on nuclear warheads.
Findings of SIPRI Report on Nuclear Warheads
China’s Nuclear Arsenal: China has 500 nuclear warheads, triple the number of India and Pakistan. Some Chinese warheads are believed to be on high operational alert for the first time. SIPRI Report on Nuclear Warheads
India’s Nuclear Arsenal: India’s nuclear arsenal reached 172 warheads this year. India slightly surpasses Pakistan, which has 170 warheads.
Recent Indian Naval Developments:
i) The second SSBN Arighat was launched in November 2017 and underwent advanced sea trials in 2021-22.
The commissioning of Arighat into the Indian Navy has been delayed and is now expected in 2024.
ii) India is enhancing the undersea leg of its nuclear triad and developing long-range missiles. The third SSBN was launched in November 2021.
iii) A fourth SSBN is under construction for a possible launch in 2024. These new submarines are significantly larger than the first two, with satellite imagery indicating they are approximately 20 meters longer.
About Nuclear Warhead
i) A nuclear warhead is the explosive head of a missile or other delivery system that uses nuclear reactions to cause massive destruction.
ii) It can be delivered via various platforms, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers.
iii) The destructive power of a nuclear warhead comes from nuclear fission (splitting atomic nuclei) or nuclear fusion (combining atomic nuclei), resulting in immense energy release, blast effects, radiation, and heat.
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
