medium-range ballistic missile
Quick Summary
A medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) is a type of ballistic missile with a range between 300 and 600 miles (480 to 965 km). These missiles are rocket-propelled and follow an arcing trajectory after an initial boost phase. Modern MRBMs, like other strategic missiles, primarily carry nuclear warheads due to the difficulty in achieving pinpoint accuracy over long distances.12
The development of modern ballistic and cruise missiles traces back to Germany's V-1 and V-2 rockets of World War II. While strategic missiles are typically nuclear-armed, shorter-range tactical missiles can be fitted with conventional warheads. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China field intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with ranges exceeding 3,500 miles.324
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