Abstract:With the rapid development of solid state laser,now SSL can provide weapons-grade power in a compact system for air platforms. US air force is speeding the development of the tactical airborne laser weapons. Firstly,the experience and lessons of US air force advanced tactical laser project are summarized. Then the development plan,operational objectives,compositions and technical characteristics of tactical airborne laser weapon are reviewed and analyzed. At last the characteristics,key technologies,recent progress and challenges of high energy liquid lasers,spectral combining fiber lasers and planar waveguide lasers are discussed and analyzed.