Boeing announced May 19 that it has begun firing the advanced tactical laser that has been integrated onto its host C-130 platform in ground tests. The first successful firing of the high-energy chemical laser occurred May 13 at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Additional ground tests are planned, followed by tests from the air against mission-representative targets, the company said. “Later this year, we will fire the laser in-flight at ground targets, demonstrating the military utility of this transformational directed energy weapon,” said Scott Fancher, VP and GM of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.
NATO Fighters Shoot Down Russian Drones Over Poland
Sept. 10, 2025
Russian drones were shot down by NATO fighter jets over Polish airspace, alliance officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine Sept. 10, marking the first time allied aircraft have used force to defend its airspace.
