An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) is a long-range missile designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over distances greater than 5,500 kilometers (about 3,400 miles). ICBMs 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 deterrent strategies, including those of the United States, Russia, and China. Their ability to strike targets across continents makes them a significant factor in global military balance and international relations.