Pioneer In Short

India’s nuclear arsenal nears 190

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates that India has around 190 nuclear warheads, including about 30 additional warheads for new missiles under production. The estimate, published Wednesday in the FAS report India’s nuclear weapons — 2026, is based on open-source information, state-originating data and commercial satellite imagery. FAS said India has more than 160 warheads for operational launchers, while the remainder are associated with new systems under development or production. The report said India has continued to modernise its arsenal, with new and upgraded nuclear-capable aircraft and land-and-sea-based systems being developed or deployed.

FAS cited an International Panel on Fissile Materials estimate that India had produced about 730 kg of weapons-grade plutonium by early 2026. Based on an assumed requirement of four kg per warhead, this could theoretically support 140-225 warheads, though the figure carries significant uncertainties. India maintains a credible minimum deterrence posture and a no-first-use policy. FAS noted that uncertainties over India’s warhead designs and plutonium reserves make precise estimates difficult. The size of the stockpile also depends on the number and types of operational delivery systems.

Gaganyaan gets key engine boost

ISRO on Thursday said it had successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine earmarked for the seventh operational mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. The test, conducted on Wednesday at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, also demonstrated a LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM) designed for the upgraded C32 cryogenic upper stage planned for the Gaganyaan programme. The CE20 engine powered the test at an uprated thrust level of 22 tonnes, aimed at enhancing LVM3’s payload capability. ISRO said the engine met all test objectives and performed satisfactorily. The test used a previously validated Nozzle Protection System that enables sea-level hot testing of the high-altitude cryogenic engine nozzle, reducing the need for simulated high-altitude testing. Following refurbishment, the engine will be assembled for the C32 flight stage of the LVM3-M7 mission. Gaganyaan seeks to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capability by carrying a three-member crew to a 400-km orbit for three days before safely returning them to Earth.