The principle and main characteristics of lidar detection technologies for biological/chemical warfare agents are described. The foreign developments of the primary lidar detection technologies such as differential laser radar technology, Raman spectroscopy and laser- induced fluorescence technique are analyzed. Some newest technologies are introduced such as photo- acoustic spectroscopy, Raman fluorescence detection, quantum cascade lasers and infrared focal planar array to detect biological/chemical warfare agents. Finally, the review points out the development trend of lidar detection technology for biological/chemical warfare agents.