During tests performed in December 2008 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Boeing Directed Energy Systems' Laser Avenger achieved its principal test objectives by using its advanced targeting system to acquire and track three small UAVs flying against a complex background of mountains and desert. The laser system also shot down one of the UAVs from an operationally relevant range. These tests marked the first time a combat vehicle used a laser to shoot down a UAV.