Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles

Why in news? Iran recently attempted to target Diego Garcia, a strategic US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean, using Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs). 
•    The target lies around 4,000 km from Iran, indicating a significant expansion of Iran’s strike capability beyond West Asia. 
•    This marks the first operational indication of IRBMs in Iran’s arsenal, raising global security concerns. 
Ballistic missile
•    •  A ballistic missile is a rocket-powered weapon that follows a curved (ballistic) trajectory after initial propulsion. 
•    •  It is powered during the initial boost phase, after which it travels unpowered and descends toward the target. 
•    •  Ballistic missiles can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
Classification of Ballistic Missiles (by Range)
•    Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs) have a range of less than 1,000 km and are used for tactical purposes. 
•    Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) have a range of 1,000–3,000 km and are used in regional conflicts. 
•    Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs) have a range of 3,000–5,500 km and bridge the gap between regional and global strike capabilities. 
•    Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) have a range of more than 5,500 km and are used for long-distance strategic deterrence.
Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBMs): Key Features
•    IRBMs have a range of 3,000 to 5,500 km, enabling strikes across regions and continents. 
•    They are capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. 
•    IRBMs operate at very high speeds during the midcourse phase, making interception difficult. 
•    They provide a strategic advantage by extending reach without requiring intercontinental capability.
Indian Missiles
•    The Agni-IV is an Indian solid-fueled intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of up to 4,000 km.
•    The Agni-III is an Indian intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) with a range of 3,000 – 3,500 km.