In this report we investigate the potential future for airborne laser systems for forestry applications. The report has been prepared as part of an internal FOI project on Remote Sensing for Forestry, with the aim of looking into future systems for civilian use, but keeping a glance at the military potential. We have also made a brief survey of recent relevant publications. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) systems can provide tree and ground height data and enable derivation of other important parameters like biomass estimation, tree type, etc. In analogy with the development of ALS systems for sea charting, both military and civilian applications can be identified for land applications. Military applications include mapping and reconnaissance, e.g. terrain maps to evaluate the accessibility in a terrain section. ALS systems can perform precise measurements with high accuracy and resolution, e.g. mapping of the detailed crown shape. The price to pay for this high resolution is a lower coverage rate in comparison to e.g. synthetic aperture radar (SAR) methods. For future work we suggest the development of technology and methods for fast mapping of forest and terrain with airborne laser scanning systems. Such a development would be of interest for both civilian and military applications. In particular, we suggest the development of small systems, which would lead to fast and cost effective mapping.