IRBMS & ICBMS STRATEGIC POWER ACROSS CONTINENTS

Oreshnik IRBM targets Ukraine; ICBMs like Minuteman III and Sarmat intensify global nuclear deterrence, signaling heightened geopolitical tensions and arms race.

conventional warheads over extremely long distances, typically exceeding 5,500 kilometers. These missiles are central to the strategic defense and deterrence policies of nations with nuclear capabilities. Here's an in-depth look at their history, design, and strategic role.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT ICBMs trace their origins to the V-2 rockets developed by Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, advancements in rocket technology by both the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War led to the development of the first ICBMs. The Soviet Union's R-7 Semyorka, deployed in 1957, was the world's first operational ICBM. This was closely followed by the United States' Atlas missile.

Over decades, the race for technological superiority saw the development of more advanced ICBMs with higher payload capacities, longer ranges, and greater accuracy.

DESIGN AND COMPONENTS ICBMs typically have three main stages:

1. Boost Phase: The missile's engines propel it into the upper atmosphere, requiring immense thrust and stability.

2. Midcourse Phase: The missile travels through space along a suborbital trajectory. At this stage, warheads are often released from the missile body.

3. Reentry Phase: The warheads reenter the Earth's atmosphere and proceed toward their targets.

KEY FEATURES:

Payload: Modern ICBMs can carry Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), allowing them to strike multiple targets simultaneously.

Guidance Systems: These rely on inertial navigation, GPS, or celestial navigation for precision targeting.

Fuel: ICBMs may use liquid or solid fuels. Solid-fuel systems are preferred for their reliability and rapid deployment capabilities.

DEPLOYMENT AND USAGE ICBMs can be launched from:

Land-based silos: Often buried deep underground for protection.