The laser scattering characteristics of military targets are a key factor of the equipment combat effectiveness,and it has great significance for studying operating range of laser equipment and stealth performance of equipment.The basic concept of target laser scattering characteristics is introduced,and the theoretical research results of laser scattering characteristics from the theoretical model and the empirical formula were described,and then the applicable scope of the various models and empirical formulas was analyzed.The latest measurement methods,the latest research progress and the research direction of the next research are analyzed from three aspects of the target surface material BRDF measurement,the scale-model LRCS measurement and the real target LRCS measurement.This provide a reference for the study of target scattering characteristics.