Nuclear Power country operates nuclear reactors for electricity generation. Also, it can maintain nuclear weapons for strategic defence. Defence aspirants should understand that these countries gain advantages in both energy security and geopolitical influence. The presence of nuclear infrastructure shows technological advancement, regulatory efficiency, and military readiness of a nation. In addition, nuclear power countries contribute to stabilising the electricity supply while reducing carbon emissions. Defence candidates should learn that the nuclear capacity of a nation indirectly strengthens military infrastructure and ensures resilience during crises.
At present, there are various nations that use nuclear power for electricity production and other related requirements. The reactor numbers, capacity, and contribution to national electricity can vary in these countries. Here is the list of the Top nuclear power nations in the world:
List of Nuclear Power Countries 2025 |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Country |
Number of Reactors |
Total Capacity (MW) |
Share of National Electricity (%) |
United States |
94 |
100,000 |
19 |
France |
56 |
63,000 |
70 |
China |
58 |
60,880 |
Around 5 |
Russia |
38 |
31,000 |
20 |
South Korea |
24 |
23,000 |
30 |
Canada |
19 |
13,000 |
15 |
Ukraine |
15 |
13,000 |
55 |
United Kingdom |
15 |
8,900 |
15 |
Germany |
6 |
4,000 |
10 |
Japan |
6 |
4,000 |
5 |
Note: The table reflects 2025 operational data. Reactor numbers and total capacity may change due to commissioning, decommissioning, or upgrades.
Defence aspirants should be aware of the Nuclear-armed countries list. It should be noted that having nuclear warheads enhances the security of a nuclear power country. Also, it influences diplomatic negotiations and shapes regional stability in different kinds of conditions.
Here is the list of countries that are nuclear-armed:
Nuclear-Armed Countries List |
||
---|---|---|
Country |
Estimated Warheads |
Delivery Systems |
United States |
5,177 |
Land-based missiles, submarines, aircraft |
Russia |
5,459 |
Land-based missiles, submarines, aircraft |
China |
600 |
Land-based missiles, submarines, aircraft |
France |
290 |
Submarines, aircraft |
United Kingdom |
225 |
Submarines, aircraft |
Pakistan |
170 |
Land-based missiles, aircraft |
India |
180 |
Land-based missiles, submarines, aircraft |
Israel |
Around 90 |
Submarines, aircraft |
North Korea |
50 to 60 |
Land-based missiles, submarines |
Iran |
0 |
None |
Note: Warhead numbers are estimated from available intelligence and may differ due to strategic policies or disarmament efforts. It is advised to visit the official resources to learn about the actual figures.
Various nations have the right infrastructure and technology that is required to develop nuclear weapons. It should be noted that these countries maintain civilian nuclear programs for energy, medical, and scientific purposes. In general conditions, they do not use nuclear energy for defence purposes.
The following table presents the list of nations with nuclear weapons capability:
List of Countries with Nuclear Weapons Capability |
||
---|---|---|
Country |
Nuclear Energy Program |
Nuclear Weapons Status |
Japan |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
South Korea |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Canada |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Brazil |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Argentina |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Sweden |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Switzerland |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
Netherlands |
Active |
Non-nuclear |
South Africa |
Active |
Former nuclear state |
Iran |
Active |
None |
Note: Nuclear capability does not indicate possession of nuclear arms. It should be noted that strategic policies and treaties regulate nuclear weapon development.
Global nuclear power ranking 2025 provides candidates with details of countries leading in nuclear electricity generation. These rankings include reactor numbers, total nuclear capacity, and the percentage of national electricity supplied by nuclear energy.
Global Nuclear Power Ranking 2025 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Rank |
Country |
Number of Reactors |
Total Capacity (MW) |
Approximate Share of National Electricity (%) |
1 |
United States |
94 |
96,952 |
18.2 |
2 |
France |
56 |
63,000 |
70 |
3 |
China |
58 |
60,880 |
5 |
4 |
Russia |
38 |
31,000 |
20 |
5 |
South Korea |
24 |
23,000 |
30 |
6 |
Canada |
19 |
13,000 |
15 |
7 |
Ukraine |
15 |
13,000 |
55 |
8 |
United Kingdom |
15 |
8,900 |
15 |
9 |
Germany |
6 |
4,000 |
10 |
10 |
Japan |
6 |
4,000 |
5 |
Note: The above-mentioned rankings are based on 2025 nuclear energy output. Aspirants should monitor developments as reactor capacities and new plants may alter positions.