[HiTech RedNeck]

If well above clouds, that would work better to be sure.

I hope some hapless jet liner isn’t in the way, as they cruise at such altitudes.

Also, I wonder if bright plating all external surfaces of the missile that are not already refractory would be an effective countermeasure.

[Neidermeyer]

That was the first thing I thought of too ... reflecting 90%+ of the power directed at it would work well..