Intercontinental missiles, also known as Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), are long-range weapons designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over distances greater than 5,500 kilometers. They are launched from land-based silos, mobile platforms, or submarines 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, providing the ability to strike targets across continents. Their development began during the Cold War, and they remain a significant aspect of global military capabilities today, influencing international relations and security policies.