A land-based, guided missile, the ICBM has a range of at least 5,500 kilometers (3,400 miles). After it arcs into space, its warhead separates, falling back through Earth’s atmosphere to a target. Most designs carry multiple warheads, against which defenses are limited.

ICBMs — a Nazi ambition — were developed during the Cold War arms race. Russia got out in front, launching the R-7 in 1957 as part of the Sputnik satellite program. The U.S.’s SM-65 Atlas followed in 1959, and China tested the Dongfeng 5 in 1971. India and Israel are thought to have ICBMs or to be close. Submarines can loft similar long-range missiles, as France and Britain have demonstrated.

ICBMs are entwined with the concept of nuclear deterrence: warding off an attack with the prospect of nuclear retaliation and mutually assured destruction. None have been used in a conflict.

The U.S. and Russia are, by treaty, reducing their vast arsenals of ICBMs. China has an estimated 50 to 100.

North Korea aspires to put nuclear warheads on its new Hwasong-14 ICBM, but could also use it to deliver chemical or biological agents.

Jennifer Jett, William J. Broad and David Sanger contributed reporting.

_____

This briefing was prepared for the European morning. We also have briefings timed for the Australian, Asian and American mornings. You can sign up for these and other Times newsletters here.

Your Morning Briefing is published weekday mornings and updated online.

What would you like to see here? Contact us at europebriefing@nytimes.com.