A report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) has estimated that India may possess around 190 nuclear warheads. The assessment is based on information from multiple sources, including satellite imagery and publicly available data, the report said.
According to the estimate, about 178 warheads could be kept in central storage rather than being mated to missiles. The report also said India currently has nine operational nuclear-capable delivery systems, including two air-based platforms and six land-based missile systems, with two additional systems expected to come into service in the future.
The operational delivery systems are assessed to be capable of carrying and delivering more than 160 nuclear weapons against targets. The report added that additional warheads are being produced to support new missiles being inducted, while India’s ability to address sea-based nuclear threats is also expanding.
It pointed to the induction of the indigenously built third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, into the Navy in April, and said a fourth submarine could join the fleet in 2027. The report noted that as new missiles and submarines become operational, India’s overall stockpile could rise further.
FAS also cited estimates from an international panel on fissile materials that India had produced about 730 kg of plutonium by early 2026, with a possible variation of plus or minus 170 kg. Using an average requirement of four kg of plutonium per weapon, it said this could theoretically support roughly 140 to 225 warheads. The report stressed that the 190-warhead figure is not an official Indian government number and that the exact size of the stockpile is not publicly known.
