According to the article this is a FEL laser. The laser onboard the Air Force 747 is a chemical laser which is a logistics nightmare. This looks to be vastly superior to the chemical laser and even the solid state laser.
After working in the HEL field for more than 30 years, I think fiber lasers offer the best hope for every type of mission except the largest systems such as would be required to defend ship convoys from ballistic missiles.