General Atomics Unveils New 25kW Airborne Laser for MQ-9 Reaper Drone

General Atomics, the American defense technology company known for building some of the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial systems, has officially confirmed the development of a powerful airborne laser weapon. This new technology is being designed specifically for the U.S. military’s fleet of MQ-9 drones — better known as the MQ-9 Reaper.

The announcement follows the appearance of a prototype laser pod mounted on an MQ-9B drone at a major U.S. defense event earlier this month. Now, General Atomics has confirmed that this airborne laser program exists and is being developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Why an Airborne Laser?

The idea behind the airborne laser is to give the MQ-9 drone a new weapon system to target and destroy enemy drones while still carrying out its regular missions. The MQ-9 is already known for its long-endurance surveillance and strike capabilities, but adding a laser weapon would make it an even more flexible and powerful platform — especially for countering unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) in contested airspace.

According to General Atomics, placing a laser pod on a high-altitude drone like the MQ-9 offers several advantages:

• Better atmospheric conditions at higher altitudes

• Fewer obstacles in the battlespace

• Slower targets compared to the MQ-9’s speed, making it easier to engage enemy drones

Specifications of the Airborne Laser

While full airborne testing has not yet been completed, General Atomics confirmed several important details about the system:

• Laser Power:
  The prototype laser is rated at 25 kilowatts (kW). While the core technology can be scaled up to 300 kW or more, the size and weight limitations of the MQ-9 mean it will carry a smaller, more efficient version.

• Energy Supply:
  The laser pod is powered by battery packs mounted on either wing of the drone. These batteries act as a buffer between the aircraft’s onboard power system and the laser itself, allowing it to operate for extended periods without overloading the drone’s electrical systems. If needed, a separate pod could be added to carry extra batteries for even longer operational time.

• Pod Design:
  The laser system is housed in a compact, aerodynamic pod mounted under the drone’s wing, alongside other surveillance and targeting equipment.

Operational Role

Once deployed, the MQ-9 with its airborne laser pod would be capable of conducting 24/7 intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, while simultaneously acting as a defensive asset against hostile drones. It would offer the military a persistent airborne presence in critical areas like the first island chain in the Pacific or other regions where drone threats are increasing.

This laser weapon will enable the MQ-9 to quickly neutralize smaller enemy drones in the air without the need for missiles or gunfire, offering a safer, more precise, and cost-effective countermeasure.

What’s Next?

Though General Atomics confirmed that all major components of the laser system have been tested on the ground, an actual in-flight test of the full system has not yet taken place. The company has not revealed an official timeline for airborne testing, but its presence at defense exhibitions and public statements suggest the program is advancing steadily.

Once operational, this new capability could dramatically enhance the MQ-9’s battlefield role — giving it the power to quietly and efficiently take down enemy drones from the sky using nothing but concentrated light.