Think more along the lines of Israel’s Iron Dome laser defense system (Iron Beam), which is based on the USA’s HEL-MD systems.
4.5 mile range, and entirely useful for knocking down incoming anti-aircraft missiles (and even artillery rounds!).
A fighter equipped with such a defensive system would be “survivable” in an extremely hostile environment.
Of course, such a laser is less useful against enemy fighter pilots who know to stay more than 4.5 miles away, so it isn’t a great offensive weapon.
The DANG (Air Domination Next Gen) aircraft will still need missiles for air to air combat and probably a 250 pound bomb or two for air to ground.
If configured properly, it will be a sub-orbital fighter jet...able to make a brief hop up into Space (for systems cooling and anti-satellite ops)...which would explain why Russia was so anxious for the new Space Weapons ban this year.
Expect to see DANGs equipped with an external, expendable/droppable rocket booster if their mission parameter requires the start of a sortie to begin in sub-orbit.
A system on the ground is easy. A system in the air is very hard. And a system in the air is not reliable. To fire a laser takes a huge amount of electricity if its to bring down a missile or fighter. And, while the laser may be fast to get to a target, it needs time to relay enough energy to destroy the target.
Actually a laser in space is easier too. Weight is less of an issue. The sun provides lots of energy. And there is no rain or pollution to degrade the ray.
Fighters with lasers capable of taking down another fighter is science fiction, not science.