ICBM: What are the intercontinental ballistic missiles launched by Russia against Ukraine

The Air Force of Ukraine announced earlier today, Thursday (21.11.24) that the launch of an intercontinental ballistics (ICBM) against the city of Dnipro. What, however, is the intercontinental ballistic missile used by it? They belong to the “family” of ballistic missiles and are distinguished either by their range or by the means from which they are launched. Common ‘pronoun’ the fact that they can all be equipped with nuclear warheads. Specificities Depending on the range, they are distinguished in: – short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) with ranges from 300 to 1.00 km. – Medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM) with ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 km. – Medium-range ballistic missiles (IRBM) with ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 km. – Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) with a range of 5,000 kilometers or more. As we have said, ballistic missiles are distinguished by the way – a means of launching, that is, by submarines (SLBM) or by aircraft (ALBM) and apparently by land platforms such as vehicles or silo built underground. With regard to ballistic missiles launched by submarines, they often have the same range as intercontinental missiles (ICBM), but in the literature the designation ‘SMBM’ remains. Launching In the case of ICBM, it is not only the range that distinguishes them from the other ballistic missile species but the advanced technology they have and the warheads with which they are equipped. In particular, intercontinental ballistic missiles develop huge speeds and use either liquid or solid fuel for their propulsion. From the moment of launch, the ICBM flight has been divided into three stages , in order to reach space , to release the nuclear warheads, which are incorporated into the so-called “re-entry vehicles” (RV) which follow a falling orbit, return to the atmosphere and eventually destroy the target as shown in the picture below. Indicative launch of an American ICBM type Minuteman III/ Source: Fastfision/Wikipedia Intercontinental ballistic missiles can also be equipped with conventional warheads, but because of the high cost of operation and use it does not consist, but without this being unlikely especially if the country wants to use the blow to send a ‘smack’ of deterrence without escalating with a nuclear blow. It is clear, therefore, that ICBM can unleash multiple warheads against enemy forces and combined with the very high speeds of the heads, the opponent can hardly intercept in time and effectively their whole. Even a nuclear warhead can cause incalculable damage. Finally, it is noted that the US, Russia, China, France, India, Britain, Israel and North Korea are the only countries worldwide to have ICBM in operation, while Pakistan has nuclear weapons, but not intercontinental ballistic missiles. Source: onalert