History of Ballistic missile in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 15, 2025

Ballistic missiles are projectile weapons that deliver warheads using ballistic motion. They are powered only during a short initial phase, with the majority of their flight unpowered. Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) remain within the Earth's atmosphere, while larger missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), travel outside the atmosphere. The largest ICBMs are capable of achieving full orbital flight, enabling them to strike targets across the globe.

October 3, 1942: First successful launch of V-2 missile

On October 3, 1942, the A-4, commonly known as the V-2 ballistic missile, achieved its first successful launch. This missile was developed by Nazi Germany under the direction of Wernher von Braun.

June 20, 1944: V-2 reaches outer space

On June 20, 1944, a vertically launched V-2 became the first human-made object to reach outer space.

September 6, 1944: V-2 missile operation against Paris

On September 6, 1944, the V-2 ballistic missile began operation with an attack against Paris.

May 1945: End of World War II in Europe

By the end of World War II in Europe in May 1945, more than 3,000 V-2 ballistic missiles had been launched.

2017: Russia developing Sarmat ICBM

As of 2017, Russia was developing a new heavy-lift, liquid-propellant ICBM called the Sarmat.

October 2024: Largest ballistic missile attack in history

In October 2024, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched approximately 200 missiles at Israel, marking the largest ballistic missile attack in history. The missiles, believed to be Iran's Fattah-1 and Kheybar Shekan, traveled about 1,500 kilometers in about 15 minutes.