There are four general classifications of ballistic missiles:
- Short-range ballistic missiles, traveling less than 1,000 kilometers (approximately 620 miles);
- Medium-range ballistic missiles, traveling between 1,000–3,000 kilometers (approximately 620-1,860 miles);
- Intermediate-range ballistic missiles, traveling between 3,000–5,500 kilometers (approximately 1,860-3,410 miles); and
- Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), traveling more than 5,500 kilometers.
- Short- and medium-range ballistic missiles are referred to as theater ballistic missiles, whereas ICBMs or long-range ballistic missiles are described as strategic ballistic missiles.
