The Virginia-class nuclear-powered cruise missile fast-attack submarine is the latest vessel in the United States Navy's arsenal. The design incorporates the latest in stealth, intelligence, and weapons systems technology to be applied for special deep ocean anti-submarine warfare and littoral operations.

A formidable weapons platform, the attack submarine can launch up to 16 Tomahawk cruise missiles in a single salvo, but the remarkable feat is not enough for the Navy. The Virginia-class vessels are set to become the first submarines in the world armed with high-energy laser weapons.

However, a big hurdle is standing in the way: lasers don't seem to work underwater.

Still, the Navy continues to work on the model, and most of the system's capabilities are yet to be unveiled, but the expectations are that Virginia's laser weapon could radically change naval warfare forever…