Scuds are a type of short-range ballistic missile that were originally developed by the former Soviet Union. They are designed to carry conventional or nuclear warheads and can travel distances of up to 300 kilometers (about 186 miles). Scuds are known for their relatively simple design and can be launched from mobile platforms, making them difficult to detect and intercept. These missiles gained notoriety during the Gulf War in the early 1990s when they were used by Iraq against Israel and coalition forces. Scuds have been modified and used by various countries, and their deployment has raised concerns about regional security and the proliferation of missile technology.