A short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) is a ballistic missile with a range of about 1,000 kilometres (620mi) or less. They are usually capable of carrying nuclear weapons. In potential regional conflicts, these missiles would be used because of the short distances between some countries and their relative low cost and ease of configuration. In modern terminology, SRBMs are part of the wider grouping of theatre ballistic missiles, which includes any ballistic missile with a range of less than 3,500km.
If and when these problems are solved, railguns will allow combatants to strike each other at ranges currently covered by short-range tactical ballistic missiles (SRBMs) and anti-ship missiles at a fraction of their cost.