The LGM-30 Minuteman is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the United States during the Cold War. It was designed for quick launch capabilities and can carry nuclear warheads. The Minuteman system is ground-based and is housed in silos, allowing for rapid response to threats. First deployed in 1962, the Minuteman has undergone several upgrades, resulting in the Minuteman III variant, which remains operational today. It is part of the U.S. nuclear triad, which includes submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic bombers, ensuring a robust deterrent against potential adversaries.