I believe the missiles themselves are not totally unguided they might have communications with the launch base some type of EMP device would also disrupt their systems although most military systems are spec ed to be able to withstand a certain amount of EMP interference.
Don't quite know whether "we" should accept them or not. The issue is that the US has said it would not if they ever achieved certain milestones in their program. This day was going to happen at some point in time. Looks like the time is now.
options that should have, could have been taken long ago are now in hindsight much better then dealing with the end result presented now.
China, helped them maybe not understanding that they don't have as much control over them as thought. They've already backed away from unconditional support of some actions the DPRK might take. It remains to be seen if they also back away from the others. US first strike ect.
As to taking the missiles out enroute, not so easy, what happens if they miss. the best option is to prevent the launch or take out the means to launch it. Notice they have mobile self contained launchers.
Wonder what would China do if the missiles were directed at them instead? would they threaten or just act?
Looks like the option being used is to call DPRK's bluff, see if they shoot 4 missiles out into the ocean around Guam, or even have a launch.
They might have a launch that stays with in their borders or blow the missile up just after launch. Showing that they did it but the missile didn't work.
Which buys them and the US/China some time to do rethink,,,,hopefully
At any rate, they've reached a point where they are a clear and present danger.
If their leader directly says he will and intends to send some missiles down range to the US, a credible threat
This might be considered a first strike....and acted on as such.
class of missiles
Design[edit]
Estimated maximum operational range of the Hwasong-12 (KN-17) missile: 3700 km (inner circle), 6000 km (outer circle)
Based on photos of the launch on 14 May 2017, the Hwasong-12 appears to be a single stage design, using a single main engine along with four vernier engines. The arrangement appears similar to the "high-thrust" engine test conducted in March 2017.[8] Alternatively, it could be based on the engine used in the older Hwasong-10 with the addition of two more verniers.[5]
Initial estimates suggest the Hwasong-12 would have a maximum range of between 3,700 kilometres (2,300 mi)[5] and 6000 km (ICBM means a range of at least 5500 km).[6] In the April 2017 military parade the Hwasong-12 was displayed on the Hwasong-10 mobile launcher, and it may be intended to replace the similarly performing Hwasong-10 which has been shown unreliable during its test program.[9][10]
List of Hwasong-12 tests[edit]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hwasong-12