Since 1970s, the United States has carried out the CO₂ laser and chemical laser airborne demonstration experiments and completed 3 rounds of airborne lasers prototype development in total. The shooting test was also completed. Since the solid-state laser breakthrough 100 kilowatts output for the first time in 2009, more and more efforts have been carried out. At present, the development of electrically driven solid-state lasers is being carried out to achieve airborne applications in the near future. Airborne laser weapons are being transformed from test demonstrations to weaponry. This paper reviews the development process of airborne laser weapons in the US, and analyzes the current development and trends of airborne laser weapons according to the existing research and development plans.