Laser weapons have become an important means for great powers to balance and change the pattern of war in the future. The tactical high energy laser weapon is rapidly entering the actual combat application stage. At first, the development history of high energy laser weapons in the United States is summarized, the key technologies are analyzed. And then, the development of the high energy laser weapons in the United States from ship-borne, airborne, vehicle-mounted platforms and missile defense agency is summarized. At last, the development trend is forecasted. It is expected to provide references for the developments and applications of laser weapons.