Boeing, which has been emphasizing advanced technologies and weapon systems, recently announced that it had shot down small UAVs with vehicle-mounted lasers.  (Boeing was also responsible for the airborne tactical laser that recently fired at ground targets.)

The system was under test by the US Air Force at the Naval Air Warfare Center in China Lake, CA.

The system experimentation serves two purposes:  it creates a potential defensive technology for US forces, but it also helps identify vulnerabilities of friendly UAVs.  When a new system is developed and fielded, it is common practice to figure out how to defeat one’s own best weapon.  After all, that is precisely what the adversary is trying to do.  The objective is to beat him to the answer, and then figure out how to minimize or eliminate the potential vulnerability.