Scientists warn of increased nuclear threat

TT

Published 09.59

 

Russian soldiers load an Iskander missile during a tactical nuclear exercise in May 2024. The missile system is often associated with tactical nuclear weapons. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service Via AP/TT

The world is facing an increased nuclear threat, according to researchers at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI.

One of the major concerns is that Russia and the United States have moved nuclear warheads from their stockpiles to mount them on ballistic missiles on high alert, according to SIPRI's annual assessment of the state of armaments, disarmament and international security. In addition, modernization programs are underway that will likely increase the size of the nuclear-weapon states' arsenals.

“Efforts to reduce the role and number of nuclear weapons are being set back decades,” Sipri writes in a press release.

Karim Haggag, head of Sipri, says in a statement that the nuclear risk increases when countries make their national defenses dependent on nuclear weapons.