Ballistic missiles, are long-range weapons that rise above the atmosphere and fall on their targets under the influence of gravity. They usually carry nuclear, chemical or conventional warheads. They have an important place in the military power of developed countries and are used for both offensive and deterrent purposes.
What is a Ballistic Missile?
ballistic missileIt is a type of missile that reaches a certain altitude after launch and then moves on a ballistic trajectory towards the target under the influence of gravity. It consists of three main stages:
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Boost Phase: It is launched by rocket engines and goes out of the atmosphere.
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Free Flight (Midcourse Phase): The missile moves in space, this is the longest time.
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Landing (Terminal Phase): It re-enters the atmosphere with gravity and heads towards the target.
Classification of Ballistic Missiles
Ballistic missiles, to their range classified according to:
| Missile Type | Menzil | Usage Area |
|---|---|---|
| Short Range (SRBM) | 300 - 1.000 km | Tactical objectives |
| Medium Range (MRBM) | 1.000 - 3.000 km | Regional targets |
| Medium-Long Range (IRBM) | 3.000 - 5.500 km | Strategic goals |
| Intercontinental (ICBM) | 5.500 km and above | Intercontinental attack |
| Submarine Launched (SLBM) | Usually 7.000+ km | Covert and deterrent attack |
How Strong Is It?
Ballistic missiles power, depends on both the warhead it carries and its accuracy:
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An ICBM carrying a nuclear warhead, is capable of killing millions of people at once.
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Conventional titles, is used to destroy military bases, ports, airports.
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Chemical and biological headingshas devastating effects that could be considered a war crime.
Sample:
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of Russia RS-28 Sarmat ICBM The missile can carry 10+ nuclear warheads and has a range of 18.000 km.
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The USA Trident II D5 SLBM The missile can be launched from submarines and hit targets worldwide.
What is it used for?
Areas of use of ballistic missiles:
1. Deterrence
In nuclear balance policies, especially for countries such as the USA, Russia and China, ballistic missiles are the main tools that deter the enemy from attacking.
2. Strategic Strike (First or Second Strike)
It is used to paralyze the enemy's military capacity and destroy their command centers.
3. Tactical Use
Short-range missiles can be used to hit targets on the battlefield or behind the lines (for example: Israel's "Jericho" missiles or Iran's "Fateh" series).
4. Psychological War
Ballistic missiles are used to intimidate the enemy not only through physical destruction but also through psychological impact.
International Law and Agreements
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Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) ve START, is in force for the purpose of limiting and controlling ballistic missiles.
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However, some countries (e.g. North Korea, Iran) develop missile programs in violation of these agreements.
Countries with Ballistic Missiles
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Countries with Intercontinental Missiles: USA, Russia, China, India, North Korea
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Countries with Medium-Long Range Missiles: Iran, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea
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NATO members (e.g. France, UK) often have submarine-launched systems.
Summing it Up:
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Ballistic missilesare among the most destructive weapons of modern warfare.
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Depending on the warhead, they could be powerful enough to kill millions of people.
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They were developed for deterrence, attack and psychological superiority.
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Combined with nuclear weapons, they pose a serious threat to humanity.
