Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)
Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are long‑range ballistic missiles designed to deliver strategic payloads—most commonly nuclear warheads—over distances measured in thousands of kilometers. They are a central component of several countries’ strategic deterrent forces.
Quick overview
Definition / range: ICBMs normally have ranges well above intercontinental distances (commonly cited as >5,500 km / ~3,400 miles), enabling one continent‑to‑another strike capability.
Primary operators: Nations publicly known to deploy intercontinental‑range delivery systems (land‑based or submarine‑launched strategic missiles) include the United States, Russia, China; other countries with long‑range capabilities or programs include India, Israel, and North Korea (some ascertained as having intercontinental‑range or intermediate systems). Comprehensive inventories and country listings are maintained by arms‑control groups.