Flight Global reports that the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has requested funding in the FY 2018 defense budget for the modification of a AC-130W with a laser weapon.
“Airborne-laser” by US Air Force – http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/090618-F-0000X-101.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikipedia
If approved, modifications will start in FY 2020 using an existing aircraft now stationed at Cannon Air Force Base.