Number of nuclear warheads deployed by the U.S. and Russia 2022, by type

Russia had deployed 1,588 nuclear warheads under the New START Treaty as of 2022, 56 less than the United States. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) were the most common type deployed by Russia, at 812 warheads. As for the United States, it mostly deployed submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Russia and the United States held the most nuclear warheads worldwide.

What is the New START treaty?

New START, or the Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms, is a nuclear arms control treaty. Under New START, which was signed on April 8, 2010, the United States and Russia were allowed to deploy up to 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 delivery vehicles each. The treaty was set to expire on February 4, 2026; however, on February 21, 2023, nearly one year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia suspends its participation.