Ballistic missiles are a type of missile that is propelled during its flight by a rocket engine. This engine is initially powered by a chemical reaction between the fuel and the oxidizer, but it can also be powered by a nuclear reaction. The missile can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, and it is used to deliver these warheads to their targets. Ballistic missiles are different from other types of missiles, such as cruise missiles, because they follow a ballistic trajectory. This means that they travel in a high-arcing path and fall on their target from above. Ballistic missiles are often referred to as strategic weapons, because they can be used to attack strategic targets such as military bases or cities. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTVF5VgP9zuLCU81SdYgMnYykqgFWzNWvasTfMkhxAhqy/image.png) credit: [Pxhere](https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1359682), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/) ### History: Ballistic missiles were first developed in the early 1900s. The original purpose of a ballistic missile was to deliver a nuclear warhead as far away from the launch site as possible. Ballistic missiles can be launched from land, air, or sea and can travel at speeds up to 4,500 mph. Today, ballistic missiles are used for both military and civilian purposes. They are an important part of a country's defense system and can also be used to carry satellites into orbit.

![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXbE8NtmDfEh3e1eNcG2MEPNk3Wra4mdLbRt7rFRAs6GX/image.png) credit: [Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Russian_Intercontinental_Ballistic_Missile_launched_from_Plesetsk.jpg), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/)

### Function: Ballistic missiles are used for both strategic and tactical purposes. A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads to a target. Ballistic missiles are used in artillery rockets, and as the payload of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Ballistic missiles can be fitted with a variety of warheads, including nuclear, chemical, biological, or conventional explosives. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQZNAc3RTVDdCzuaShMvi7BjXybSinuaoY14pG1suvuhz/image.png) ICBMs credit: [nara.getarchive.net](https://nara.getarchive.net/media/an-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-icbm-is-erected-after-assembly-dfd63d), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/) The strategic use of ballistic missiles is to deliver nuclear weapons against long-range targets. ICBMs can travel up to 6,000 miles (9,656 km) and SLBMs can travel up to 1,500 miles (2,414 km), so they can hit targets anywhere in the world. The United States developed the first ICBM, called the SM-65 Atlas, in 1955. ### What is the difference between a missile and a ballistic missile? A ballistic missile uses a rocket engine to achieve powered flight and deliver its payload—be it a nuclear weapon, conventional warhead, or decoy—to a target. Ballistic missiles are different than cruise missiles, which use jet engines to achieve powered flight. A ballistic missile is essentially a long tube filled with explosives. When the rocket motor ignites, the missile is blasted free of the launch vehicle and begins to travel under its own power. The missile follows a very predictable trajectory; it arcs upward for a period of time and then falls back to Earth in a relatively straight line.

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A nuclear weapon detonated high in the atmosphere creates an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can seriously damage unprotected electrical equipment over a wide area. The high-altitude detonation also creates an intense shock wave that can damage or destroy buildings and other structures. ### Types Ballistic missiles come in a variety of different types, but all share the same basic characteristics. They are powered by a rocket engine and can travel long distances at high speeds. Most ballistic missiles are armed with warheads that can carry nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. A missile is a self-propelled, powered vehicle that is launched into the air and guided to its target by radio control. Missiles with multiple stages can reach very high altitudes. Most of the liquid-fueled missiles are launched from a launchpad in one of their stages. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmeKUKzzAGb4tMthPMcBL9XLfCMw1WdoQjY78SE5RUBy25/image.png) credit: [flickr](https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnavy/36083377444), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/) ### Are all ballistic missiles nuclear? A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory. It is used to deliver nuclear, chemical, or conventional warheads over long distances. Ballistic missiles are different from cruise missiles, which follow a more erratic, curved path. Ballistic missiles became well known during the Cold War when both the United States and the Soviet Union developed them. ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmPcJBa7zJbDtvmATQuLmr4hL5VhRPj6WNTrP3PaY9YHfn/image.png) credit: [Torange](https://torange.biz/ballistic-missile-30625), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/) Most ballistic missiles are nuclear-armed, but there are some that are not. Non-nuclear ballistic missiles are used for tactical purposes, such as delivering troops or supplies to a battlefield. Ballistic missiles can be fired from land-based launchers or from submarines. They can also be launched from aircraft. ### Usage: Ballistic missiles are most commonly used by military forces in an attempt to cripple the enemy through large-scale destruction. They can also be used for precision strikes against specific targets. Ballistic missiles can be armed with a variety of warheads, including nuclear, chemical, or conventional explosives. 1. A ballistic missile is a projectile weapon that is propelled by a rocket engine. 2. It is designed to deliver a nuclear or conventional warhead over long distances. 3. The missile is guided during the initial phase of its flight, but then it falls under the influence of gravity and follows a ballistic trajectory. 4. Ballistic missiles can be deployed from land, air, or sea and can travel over great distances. 5. The United States and the Soviet Union have been the only countries that have developed ballistic missiles with intercontinental range. 6. Ballistic missiles are a weapon of mass destruction. ### Which country has ballistic missile? Ballistic missiles are used for strategic purposes, typically carrying nuclear weapons. They can be launched from land, sea or air and travel long distances to reach their targets. Ballistic missiles can be classified into two categories: intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). ![image.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUeBtv9fbqbRn4DqBdYBUHmh9UPbJdbMif24bC4Rc7TXM/image.png) credit: [nara.getarchive.net](https://nara.getarchive.net/media/an-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-icbm-is-set-on-trailer-jacks-after-assembly-af9c1a), license: [CC](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/publicdomain/) The United States has the most advanced ballistic missile program in the world, with a number of different ICBMs and SLBMs in its arsenal. Russia also has a large ballistic missile force, as does China. Other countries with ballistic missile capabilities include France, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Iran, Israel, Egypt, Syria, Ukraine, and Argentina. [source](https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/RL30427.html) ### Conclusion: Ballistic missiles have been around for centuries, and their importance in modern warfare cannot be overstated. They are a vital part of any country's military arsenal, and should be understood by everyone. A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled device that can travel great distances and deliver a payload to its target. The payload can be anything from a nuclear warhead to a simple satellite dish. Ballistic missiles can be used for both strategic and tactical purposes, and are an important part of any country's defense strategy. The development of ballistic missiles has revolutionized warfare, and they are now an integral part of any military campaign. They are capable of hitting targets anywhere in the world, and can cause immense damage to enemy infrastructure or personnel. In the event of a nuclear attack, knowing what a ballistic missile is and how to protect yourself against one is crucial. A ballistic missile is a projectile that is fired into the air and follows a ballistic trajectory, meaning it follows a curved path as it falls back to Earth. Ballistic missiles can be armed with either nuclear or conventional warheads.