Like the kind cuased by F-22's with RAM-coated AIM-120s that catch it during the initial boost phase? They might have a chance, but I'd much rather try to bribe someone to leave thier tool box inside the machine. Much more reliable than trying a trick shot. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Personally, if we have an ABL platform in the neighborhood, if we can blow it on the pad that might be the best option. Lasers don't leave much evidence. I know it's not supposed to be able to hit ground targets, but for some reason I think it can hit a stationary target.

I'm not sure I buy the theory that says they bought Chinese- the ChiComs are crazy, but not as crazy as the Kim family. Even if they did, odds are that anything the PRK bought from the PRC or from Russia is viable. Anything they bought from Pakistan, Syria, Iran or anyone else on the fringe is going to be as solid as can be implimented- the types of folks who sell this stuff know that if word gets out they screwed a customer, they are done. Maybe not dead, but at least broke. No one else really deals with them. The Vietnamese and Cubans both think Mr Kim is a loon, and he can't afford to buy from the French, South Africa, or Brazil. And the Lybians wouldn't deal with him right now, not while they are showing off thier sweetness and light make over.

What will get them is Mr. Kim's insanity. It's big, it's shiny, and it scares the US, he likes it. I'm perfectly willing to believe that this is being done becuase he's jealous that Iran is getting a lot of attention. The man shouldn't be trusted with a wiffle ball bat, much less a nation with chemical and biological (and MAYBE nuclear, but most likely radiological for now) weapons. He's probably pushed this thing into testing before it's ready. As much as the test makes me uncomfortable, I give it fifty-fifty odds of blowing before it reaches 50 thousand feet. The PRK's own internal issues are hard on the quality control.

Of course, last time one a missile test burned up prematurely, there was a rumor he had some of the design team executed with the rest watching, as a "motivational exercise". I think the best thing for east Asia would be for him to have a heart attack or a massive stroke.