An HF-excited laser for high input powers, particularly a CO.sub.2 stripline laser, is provided. For supply of a high-power HF energy, a matching unit is integrated into the laser. The matching unit contains an L-C element, whereby the inductance L and the capacitance C are variable. The inductance can be set by a variation of the length of the electrically conductive parts of an HF feed and of an HF tap. The capacitor is annularly designed and the capacitance is defined by the size of a capacitor wafer and by the properties of the dielectric.