👉 Blonde missiles are a class of short-range ballistic missiles characterized by their distinctive, blonde-colored casings, which are often associated with the United States' Minuteman III and Minuteman IV intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from the 1950s and 1960s, though they also refer to newer variants like the Minuteman III's successor, the Atlas-CGM-3. These missiles typically have a shorter range compared to their longer-range counterparts but are designed for tactical and strategic deterrence. The blonde casing is not just cosmetic; it serves practical purposes, such as providing better aerodynamic stability and heat dissipation during flight. The term "blonde" is a colloquial reference to their lighter color, which contrasts with the darker casings of other missile systems. These missiles are often deployed in multiple launch locations to ensure redundancy and flexibility in deployment, playing a crucial role in nuclear deterrence strategies.
