Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are long-range weapons 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 high-arcing trajectory, allowing them to reach targets in other continents within minutes. ICBMs typically consist of three main stages: the boost phase, where rockets propel the missile into space; the midcourse phase, where it travels outside the atmosphere; and the terminal phase, where it re-enters the atmosphere and descends toward its target. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China possess ICBMs as part of their strategic defense systems.