The U.S. military continues to prepare for a conflict with China in the Indo-Pacific region.

To cope with the growing capabilities of the Chinese military, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is rebuilding partnerships in the region and experimenting with futuristic weapon systems, BI writes.

One concept being tested is a high-energy laser weapon, and SOCOM intends to deploy it on one of its deadliest platforms: the AC-130 warship.

The AC-130 warship, first introduced 60 years ago, is essentially an airborne artillery platform. It uses a "pylon turn" technique to fly in a wide circle over the target area and deliver continuous fire without the need to correct the angle of attack.

The aircraft is a favorite among special operations forces and conventional forces because of the amount of firepower it can unleash on the enemy and the length of time it can stay on target and support troops on the ground.

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, part of SOCOM, is currently in the process of equipping the latest version of the AC-130J Ghostrider with the high-energy laser weapon.