The Advanced Tactical Laser concept program has progressed, with the addition of a high-energy chemical laser to the C-130H demonstration aircraft, according to a Boeing release. The company, which received the C-130 two years ago to begin modifications and low-power flight tests, last week added the HEL and its 12,000-pound subsystem, aligning it with the beam control system, at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Boeing VP Scott Fancher called it “tremendous progress,” adding that the test team will fire the laser at ground targets next year.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.