India’s Nuclear Arsenal Estimated at 190 Warheads: What FAS Report Says

India is estimated to have 190 nuclear warheads, including more than 160 linked to operational delivery systems and around 30 additional warheads intended for newer missiles under production, according to a 2026 assessment by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).

FAS Nuclear Information Project Director Hans Kristensen based the estimate on open-source information, state-originating data and commercial satellite imagery.

The report estimates that India may have produced enough military plutonium for 140–225 warheads. Citing the International Panel on Fissile Materials, it puts India’s weapon-grade plutonium stock at around 730 kg, with an uncertainty of about 170 kg, at the beginning of 2026.

Using an estimate of around four kg of plutonium per warhead, FAS arrived at the 140–225 range. However, the report said some of the plutonium may remain in reserve and may not have been assembled into nuclear weapons.

FAS also noted uncertainty over India’s nuclear warhead designs. The report said the 1998 nuclear tests demonstrated a fission design, while the country’s progress in boosted-fission and thermonuclear designs remains uncertain.

India is continuing to develop and modernise nuclear-capable systems across air, land and sea. The country operates nuclear-capable aircraft and land-based ballistic missiles, while newer missile systems are being developed. It is also developing submarine-based nuclear delivery systems.

The assessment said India’s nuclear stockpile would depend on the number and types of operational launchers and the warheads available for them.

India’s stated nuclear doctrine includes credible minimum deterrence and No First Use (NFU). Under the 2003 nuclear doctrine, India has said it would use nuclear weapons in retaliation to a nuclear attack on its territory or forces. The doctrine also provides for possible nuclear retaliation following a major biological or chemical weapons attack.