The application requirements of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) laser communication technology are summarized, and the importance of UAV laser communication is illustrated. The research status at home and abroad and the performance characteristics of airborne laser communication technologies are discussed in detail, and the development trend is pointed out. Based on the discussion, the key technologies of UAV laser communication payloads are analyzed, and the corresponding solutions are proposed. The application prospect and challenges about UAV laser communication payloads are discussed. Predictably, the UAV laser communication technology will play an important role in the air and space integrated communication networks.