Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, or ICBMs, are long-range missiles designed to deliver nuclear warheads over distances greater than 5,500 kilometers (about 3,400 miles). They are launched from land-based silos or mobile platforms and follow a ballistic trajectory, meaning they are powered during the initial phase of flight and then coast through space before descending toward their target. ICBMs are a key component of many countries' nuclear deterrence strategies, providing a means to strike an adversary from a significant distance. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China possess ICBM capabilities, which play a crucial role in global security dynamics.