India deploys nuclear warheads for the first time – SIPRI According to a Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, India has deployed nuclear warheads for the first time, a potential shift in its military strategy. The nation’s estimated nuclear stockpile has increased to about 190 warheads, with a small number possibly mated with launchers on a nuclear-powered submarine. This development comes amid an ongoing arms race in the region and while India develops hypersonic cruise missiles, with its nuclear planning appearing to focus on China but still influenced by its rivalry with Pakistan.

• India has deployed nuclear warheads for the first time, according to a SIPRI report.
• The country’s nuclear stockpile is estimated to be about 190 warheads, up from 180 last year.
• SIPRI suggests India may be shifting towards mating warheads with launchers in peacetime, possibly on a nuclear-powered submarine.
• India is developing hypersonic cruise missiles and investing in longer-range weapon systems, seemingly focused on China.
• Rival Pakistan’s nuclear warhead stockpile remains stable at nearly 170.
• China possesses 620 nuclear warheads, with 34 deployed.