A newly-developed sniper system for the British Army has begun to see its first use.

The L115A3 sniper rifle is designed to give snipers the ability to fire with more power, hit targets more precisely, and allow those using it to operate more stealthily than before. Compared to the old version, it fires a higher calibre round further than its predecessor, while a hi-tech telescopic sight provides magnification two-times that of before.

The rifle is also able to be used by day or by night - an ability lacking in previous systems.

In the hands of snipers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, the L115A3 was used to hit targets at a distance of 900 yards - striking them with extreme accuracy.

Snipers Essential to Modern Warfare

Snipers - through their ability to engage targets at distance - are essential to modern warfare.

As far as the enemy are concerned, snipers are prized targets. Equipment, therefore, is paramount, and, with the addition of this new technology, snipers will become a more effective force than previously.

New Sniper Rifles Should have Range of "1,500 Metres": Officer

According to one senior officer, the new rifles should, ultimately, provide snipers with the capability to "engage a target at 1,500 metres." In the past, he said, range was capped at "about 1,000 metres."

He added: "Every soldier wants to be a sniper as they're held in extremely high regard. Battalions are desperate to send soldiers here (the Warminster-based Support Weapons School) for training and our courses are always full."

Snipers Stand for "Precision Attack", "Covert Surveillance": Rafferty

Defence Equipment and Support Dismounted Close Combat Team leader, Colonel Peter Rafferty - also from the Support Weapons School - added:

"Snipers give our forces the ability to remove high-value targets without collateral damage. They represent precision attack and a covert surveillance capability. To that end they represent a weapon system and the whole system requirement is being met by this programme, a result of listening to experienced practitioners of the art of sniping.

"I am delighted with the results that the project team has achieved and the depth of co-operation the user community, sponsor and industry developed to deliver this much needed upgrade to a core capability."

The L115A3 is a product of Portsmouth, UK-based firm Accuracy International Ltd, while Schmidt & Bender make the day sights

Source - Armed Forces International's Political Correspondent

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