What is the defining characteristic of an Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty-banned missile?

The defining characteristic of an Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty-banned missile is its ground-launched status and a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers. The INF Treaty, signed between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1987, eliminated all ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles within this range. The treaty did not cover air-launched or sea-launched missiles, nor did it restrict missiles with ranges outside the 500-5,500 kilometer band. The focus on ground-launched missiles was driven by the strategic concerns of the time, as these missiles were seen as particularly destabilizing due to their ability to reach targets in Europe with little warning time. Therefore, a missile is classified as INF treaty-banned if it is launched from the ground and has a range capability that falls between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.