What Are Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles? Check Speed, Range, Working and Origin Country

Before we understand what Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles are, do you know the meaning of ballistic missiles? 

If we go by the definition, then Ballistic missiles are a type of missile that employs projection motion, carrying high explosive material inside it before exploding on the set target.

It gets quite difficult to understand, right? So, here’s a simpler definition. Have you ever seen a slingshot? We pick a stone, set it on the sling, set a target and shoot! 

Similarly, these ballistic missiles are launched from land-based systems, mobile launchers, ships, submarines, and even aircraft. They are propelled toward a specific target using a comparable concept of projection motion, showcasing the versatility of modern missile technology.

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What are the Different Types of Ballistic Missiles?

There are various types of ballistic missiles, and some are mentioned below:

1. Tactical ballistic missile (TBM): Range less than 300 km
2. Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM): Range from 300 to 1,000 kilometres (190 to 620 mi)
3. Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM): Range from 1,000 to 3,500 kilometres (620 to 2,170 mi)
4. Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM): Range from 3,500 to 5,500 kilometres (2,200 to 3,400 mi)
5. Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): Range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi)

What are Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles?

Source: Compass by Rau's IAS

Inter + continental + ballistic + missiles = Those ballistic missiles that have a greater range of over 5,500 km (3,400 miles) and are primarily designed to carry nuclear payloads. 

With the advancement of technology, these modern ICBMs support multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), allowing a single missile to carry several warheads, each of which can strike a different target.

Fun Fact: Only the United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are the countries known to have operational ICBMs. Pakistan is the only nuclear-armed state that does not possess ICBMs.

Features of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are advanced long-range weapons designed for nuclear delivery over great distances, typically exceeding 5,500 kilometres (about 3,400 miles). Here are the key features of ICBMs:

1. Range and Payload

• Long Range: Capable of reaching targets across continents.
• Heavy Payload Capacity: Can carry multiple warheads (MIRVs – Multiple Independently targetable Re-entry Vehicles) or a single large warhead.

2. Launch Platforms

• Land-based Silos: Fixed installations often located in remote areas for security.
• Mobile Launch Platforms: Transportable systems on trucks or rail cars, enhancing survivability.
• Submarine-launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs): Deployed from submarines, providing stealth and flexibility.

3. Flight Phases

• Boost Phase: The Propellant is ignited, and the missile ascends towards space.
• Midcourse Phase: The missile travels through space in a ballistic trajectory, where it’s more vulnerable.
• Terminal Phase: The re-entry vehicle descends towards the target at hypersonic speeds.

4. Guidance Systems

• Inertial Guidance: Utilises gyroscopes and accelerometers for initial trajectory.
• Global Positioning System (GPS): Provides accurate updates during flight.
• Star Trackers/Terminal Homing Systems: For precision targeting during the terminal phase.

5. Speed

• Hypersonic Speeds: Capable of reaching speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), reducing response time for enemies.

6. Survivability and Countermeasures

• Hardening: Facilities and silos designed to withstand nuclear blasts.
• Decoys: Use of decoys or penetration aids to evade missile defence systems.

7. Safety and Security Features

• Launch Control Systems: Complex protocols and authentication to prevent unauthorised launches.
• Self-Destruct Mechanisms: Built-in systems to destroy the missile if necessary to prevent accidents.

8. International Treaties and Regulations

• Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT): Agreements to limit the number of nuclear weapons.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

In a Nutshell:

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How Do Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Work?

Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) operate through a series of well-defined phases that enable them to deliver nuclear or conventional payloads over long distances. Here's a detailed breakdown of how ICBMs work:

1. Launch Phase

• Initiation: The process begins with an internal command to launch, which is typically initiated from a secure control centre.
• Ignition: Solid or liquid fuel is ignited in the rocket engines, generating thrust.
• Lift-off: The missile ascends vertically and then transitions to a predefined trajectory.

2. Boost Phase

• Initial Ascent: During this phase, the missile climbs rapidly, reaching altitudes of over 100 km (the edge of space).
• Rocket Burn: The engines burn for a specific duration (usually a few minutes) to propel the missile into the upper atmosphere.
• Separation: Once the fuel is expended, the rocket stages are jettisoned (in multi-stage ICBMs), and the missile continues in its ballistic trajectory.

3. Midcourse Phase

• Suborbital Path: The missile follows a suborbital trajectory, travelling outside the Earth's atmosphere in space.
• Inertial Guidance: During this phase, inertial guidance systems keep the missile on course based on initial calculations.
• Potential Manoeuvring: Advanced ICBMs may employ post-boost control systems for trajectory adjustments.

4. Re-entry Phase

• Re-entry Preparation: As the missile approaches its target, it begins re-entering the atmosphere, typically at speeds exceeding Mach 20.
• Thermal Protection: A heat shield protects the warhead from the intense heat generated during re-entry.

5. Terminal Phase

• Descent: The payload descends towards the target, often deploying decoys to confuse missile defence systems.
• Precision Guidance: Some ICBMs use terminal homing systems (like GPS) to increase strike accuracy.
• Impact: The warhead(s) reach the target at hypersonic speeds, delivering their explosive payload.

6. Control Systems and Safety Measures

• Launch Control: Security protocols ensure that only authorised personnel can initiate a launch.
• Early Warning Systems: Ground-based radar and satellite sensors detect launches, providing early warning.
• Self-Destruct Mechanisms: ICBMs are equipped with systems to neutralise them safely if launched in error.

Summary of Operation Phases

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