Aliases

Disambiguation

ICBM refers to the weapons classification itself, not a specific missile program; distinguished from MRBM (medium-range) and IRBM (intermediate-range) ballistic missiles by range threshold (>5,500 km).

Stats

Concept

A strategic ballistic missile system with range exceeding 5,500 kilometers, capable of delivering nuclear warheads across intercontinental distances and forming a core element of nuclear deterrence strategies.

Um sistema de míssil balístico estratégico com alcance superior a 5.500 quilômetros, capaz de entregar ogivas nucleares em distâncias intercontinentais e formando um elemento central das estratégias de dissuasão nuclear.

Enrichment

• Intercontinental ballistic missile
  Wikipedia▎ high· 2026-05-14
  • ICBM range definition: >5,500 km
  • Soviet R-7 first operational ICBM (1957)
  • US Atlas deployed 1959
  • Flight phases: boost (2–5 min), midcourse (~25 min), terminal reentry
  • Apogee typically 1,200–1,500 km
  • Eight nations currently operate ICBMs
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
  Federation of American Scientists (FAS)▎ high· 2026-05-14
  • ICBMs enable global reach and strategic deterrence
  • Guidance locked during boost phase only (inertial + stellar navigation)
  • Accuracy: hundreds of feet at 7,000 mile range
  • Cannot be recalled or destroyed in flight post-launch
  • Eight nations with ICBM capability listed
  • Cost: $50–65 million per missile (development-dependent)
• ICBM | Britannica
  Britannica Encyclopedia▎ high· 2026-05-14
  • Intercontinental ballistic missile technical and historical overview
  • Cold War strategic context and proliferation history
  • Range classifications and warhead technologies