Spending on atomic weapons rises dramatically, and forces increase operational warheads

China was the second largest spender, spending US$11.8 billion, while Russia spent the third largest amount, US$8.3 billion. UK spending rose significantly for the second year in a row, up 17% to $8.1 billion.

What the survey reveals is that nuclear weapons manufacturers allocated at least $6.3 million in 2023 to influence government policies and public attitudes toward nuclear weapons.

In 2023, companies involved in nuclear weapons production were awarded new contracts worth just under $7.9 billion. In the United States and France alone (countries for which figures can be obtained), these companies spent $118 million on lobbying.

“Last year, at least $123 million was spent hiring more than 540 lobbyists and funding key research centers that influence the nuclear debate,” the organization says.

Over the past five years, US$387 billion has been spent on nuclear weapons, with a 34% increase in annual spending, from US$68.2 billion to US$91.4 billion annually. In some cases, these manufacturing contracts are expected to last until 2040, meaning there will be no disarmament.

The money was used to modernize and, in some cases, expand the arsenals.