The Pershing missile is a type of tactical ballistic missile developed by the United States during the Cold War. It was designed for quick deployment and could carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. The missile had a range of about 1,800 kilometers and was primarily used by the U.S. Army in Europe to counter the threat posed by Soviet forces. The Pershing II, an upgraded version, was introduced in the early 1980s. It featured improved accuracy and a longer range, making it a significant part of NATO's defense strategy. The deployment of these missiles led to heightened tensions, contributing to the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.