An elite Ukrainian sharpshooter used AI to set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating two Russian soldiers from a distance of 4,000 meters, in a move that has ‘rewritten the rules of global sniping’.
The shot was made using a 14.5mm Snipex Alligator rifle, a domestically produced anti-materiel weapon, on August 14.
The operation was supported by artificial intelligence and drone guidance, which assisted in targeting and confirming the strike.
The sniper, part of Ukraine‘s elite Pryvyd (Ghost) unit, engaged the targets in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad defensive line in Donetsk.
The shot was captured on video by Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov, who reported that the bullet passed through a window, striking the two Russian soldiers inside.
The footage has been widely circulated, showcasing the precision and range of the shot.
This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Ukrainian sniper Viacheslav Kovalskyi, who in November 2023 eliminated a Russian officer from a distance of 3,800 meters using a ‘Lord of the Horizon’ rifle.
That record had itself broken the previous mark set by a Canadian special forces sniper in Iraq in 2017.
An elite Ukrainian sniper used AI to set a new world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill, eliminating two Russian soldiers from a distance of 4,000 meters
The achievement surpasses the previous record held by Ukrainian sniper Viacheslav Kovalskyi, who in November 2023 eliminated a Russian officer from a distance of 3,800 meters
The Snipex Alligator rifle, developed by Ukrainian company XADO, was officially adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2021
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Ukrainian soldiers said at the time that they were ‘rewriting the rules of global sniping’.
On Telegram, Butusov wrote: ‘ Incredible accuracy and a new world record for the longest range! During the year of performing combat missions in the defence of [Donetsk region], almost 1,000 servicemen of the Russian armed forces have already been destroyed.
That record had itself broken the previous mark set by a Canadian special forces sniper in Iraq in 2017.
The Snipex Alligator rifle, developed by Ukrainian company XADO, was officially adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2021.
Weighing approximately 25 kilograms and measuring about 2 meters in length, the rifle is designed to engage both personnel and equipment at long ranges.
Its 14.5×114mm calibre rounds are capable of delivering significant kinetic energy over extended distances
It features a manually operated bolt-action system and is fed by a detachable 5-round box magazine.
The rifle boasts a barrel length of 1,200mm and an overall length of 2,000mm.
Designed for long-range engagements, it has an effective range of up to 2,000 meters and a maximum range of 7,000 meters.
The Snipex Alligator is equipped with a MIL-STD rail for mounting optics.
Incredible moment has shown the moment the record-breaking shot was taken by a Ukrainian serviceman
Snipers have been extremely essential in Ukraine’s defence tactics against Russian aggression
While the specifics of the AI system used in this operation have not been publicly disclosed, its application shows significant advancement in modern warfare
This record-setting shot shows Ukraine’s growing capabilities in precision warfare and the increasing role of technology in contemporary conflicts.
Meanwhile, in the Pokrovsk area, where the shot was taken, Russian military activity has been intensifying.
According to reports from August 13, there were 148 clashes between Ukrainian Defence Forces and Russian invaders recorded on the frontline, with 51 of them occurring in the Pokrovsk sector.
Putin’s men have also intensified their activities in the Lyman and Novopavlivka sectors.
These developments follow Russia’s ramp-up of military activity to expand its forces’ presence in the region, despite pressure to end the war.
As a key logistics hub, Pokrovsk’s control is vital for both Ukrainian and Russian forces.
