Laser weapons, for years the staple of science fiction movies good and bad, may be the future of warfare beyond the silver screen. Around the world, countries are awakening to the military possibilities presented by these real-life death rays.
The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the power, accuracy and versatility of such weapons, and some of the more advanced systems are tantalizingly close to being ready for deployment in the field. Take a look at the 10 most incredible laser weapons already built or soon to be in service.