United Kingdom nuclear weapons, 2021

Abstract

The Nuclear Notebook is researched and written by Hans M. Kristensen, director of the Nuclear Information Project with the Federation of American Scientists, and Matt Korda, a research associate with the project. The Nuclear Notebook column has been published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists since 1987. This issue’s column examines the United Kingdom’s nuclear arsenal, which includes a stockpile of approximately 225 warheads. Of these, up to 120 are operationally available for deployment on four ballistic missile submarines. In 2021, however, the government announced the UK would increase its stockpile ceiling to up to 260 warheads. To see all previous Nuclear Notebook columns, go to https://thebulletin.org/nuclear-risk/nuclear-weapons/nuclear-notebook/.