[belter]

Shooting Balloons is the perfect task for the AN/SEQ-3 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/SEQ-3_Laser_Weapon_System

[nradov]

That weapon is only being deployed on a test basis. It is rather short ranged, unable to shoot through clouds, and too heavy for use on aircraft. But the next generation of laser weapons might be usable on tactical aircraft.