intermediate range ballistic missile

noun

1. any supersonic missile that has a range of 800 to 1,500 nautical miles (1,500 to 2,800 km) and follows a ballistic trajectory after a powered, guided launching. : IRBM, I.R.B.M.

intermediate range ballistic missile

noun

1. a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory with a medium range, normally of the order of 750–1500 miles IRBM

intermediate-range ballistic missile

1. A missile that carries nuclear warheads and is launched from the ground or submarines, but that has a range of only a few hundred to fifteen hundred miles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intermediate range ballistic missile¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The launches marked North Korea’s second known launch event of the year, following a Jan. 14 flight test-firing of the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate range ballistic missile, which reflected its efforts to advance its lineup of weapons targeting U.S. military bases in Japan and Guam.

From Seattle Times

Given that the Nuri space rocket’s booster stage is equivalent to that of an intermediate range ballistic missile, or IRBM, the country may also be proofing itself against distant, future enemies.

From Washington Times

In October 2022, North Korea fired an intermediate range ballistic missile over Japan for the first time in five years.

From New York Times

North Korea last flew a missile over Japan in October in what it described as test of a new intermediate range ballistic missile, which experts say potentially would be capable of reaching Guam, a major U.S. military hub in the Pacific.

From Washington Times

North Korea has said that its most recent series of missile tests, which included an intermediate range ballistic missile that flew over Japan last week, was a show of force against joint South Korean and U.S. military drills.

From Reuters

Related Words

• intercontinental ballistic missile
• surface-to-air missile