Introduction

The year 2025 saw the United States’ nuclear weapons budget climb to a record $119 billion, marking almost a 20 % rise over the previous year. According to a report by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), U.S. spending surpassed all other nuclear‑armed states combined and accounted for more than 58 % of total global nuclear expenditure in 2025.

Body

ICAN’s annual tracking, which covers the nine nuclear‑armed countries—United States, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel—shows a steep upward trend for the United States. The country’s cost jumped 22 %, bringing annual outlay to $69.2 billion, while other nations increased between 5 % and 17 %. China’s second‑largest increase was 7 % to $13.5 billion, and the United Kingdom overtook Russia as the third‑biggest spender with a 17 % rise to $12.6 billion. The U.S. budget supports both military expansion and significant rebuilding of its nuclear arsenal, according to ICAN officials.

Such spending comes amid global security concerns, notably rising tensions in Asia and the Middle East. While critics argue that funds could be reallocated to civilian applications such as clean energy or public infrastructure, proponents emphasize national defense and deterrence. The U.S. government maintains that modernizing the nuclear triad—land‑based missiles, submarine‑launched systems, and strategic bombers—is essential for maintaining strategic stability.

Internationally, the record financial commitment stands as the highest spending level in the post‑Cold War era. The data also underscores the persistent confidence in nuclear deterrence rather than a move towards disarmament, even against a backdrop of global calls by organizations such as ICAN, which seeks total elimination of nuclear weapons.

Conclusion

The United States’ 2025 nuclear budget reflects a decisive policy choice, reinforcing its strategic posture while raising questions about fiscal priorities and global security dynamics. As nations continue to navigate the complex interplay of deterrence, technological advancement, and diplomatic engagement, the substantial expenditure on nuclear arsenals remains a pivotal factor in shaping international stability.