We observed the stratospheric ozone layer by a newly designed powerful laser radar using a differential‐absorption technique. A discharge‐pumped XeCl excimer laser with a 308‐nm wavelength was used as an emitter in this system. The observed ozone concentrations in an altitude range 16–25 km are in good agreement with those measured by radiosonde. The present system is promising for the continuous monitoring of the stratospheric ozone concentration because of the simplicity of the construction.