An underwater missile is a type of weapon designed to be launched from a submarine or other underwater platform. The two most common types of underwater missiles are the POLARIS and the TORPEDO. The POLARIS is a nuclear-powered, long-range, submarine-launched ballistic missile developed by the United States during the Cold War. The TORPEDO is an explosive-filled, self-propelled underwater projectile designed to detonate on contact with a target. Both the POLARIS and the TORPEDO are used for offensive and defensive purposes in naval warfare.