What type of weapon guidance is primarily self-sufficient during the later stages of flight?

Terminal guidance is the correct answer because it refers to the phase of weapon guidance that takes control during the final approach to the target, allowing for high precision and accuracy. During this stage, the weapon system utilizes on-board sensors and algorithms to autonomously navigate and correct its flight path to ensure it strikes the intended target. This self-sufficiency is crucial because it enables the weapon to adjust to any last-minute changes in target position or environmental conditions without relying on external input.

In contrast, the other guidance types, such as primary, mid-range, and initial guidance, include elements that often depend on external information or guidance systems, particularly in the earlier stages of flight. Initial guidance typically focuses on directing the weapon toward the general area of the target, while mid-range guidance helps navigate during the distance phase using external input. These phases generally rely more on the launch platform or external commands, making terminal guidance distinct in its capability to function independently during its critical final phase.