SOFREP Pic of the Day: Ukrainian Sniper with Snipex T-Rex Rifle and Suppressor

When I first saw today’s Pic of the Day, I thought I was looking at a doctored photo. Either they managed to make the weapon look way too big, or it was a normal-sized rifle being held by a three-foot-tall soldier. I was wrong on both accounts; it’s simply huge.

“It,” in this case, is a Snipex T-Rex anti-materiel rifle (AMR) with a suppressor attached. You may have seen photos of one of these before. Once you see one, they are hard to forget, kind of like Kardashians.

The Snipex T-Rex anti-materiel rifle, developed by Ukrainian manufacturer XADO-Holding Ltd., has become a pivotal asset in Ukraine’s defense arsenal, particularly during the ongoing conflict with Russia. Chambered for the formidable 14.5×114mm cartridge, the T-Rex is engineered to neutralize a range of targets, including light-armored vehicles, fortified positions, and critical infrastructure. If one of these would happen to hit a human being it would turn them into a fine pinkish-red mist. 

Design and Specifications

Introduced in 2017, the Snipex T-Rex is a single-shot, bolt-action rifle featuring a bullpup configuration, which positions the action and magazine behind the trigger assembly. This design reduces the rifle’s overall length without compromising barrel length, enhancing maneuverability in various combat scenarios. The rifle measures 1,800mm in length, with a 1,200mm barrel, and weighs approximately 25kg. It boasts an effective range of up to 2,000 meters and a maximum range of 7,000 meters (that’s 4.3 miles to you and me). The T-Rex is equipped with a MIL-STD Picatinny rail, allowing for the attachment of various sighting devices to suit mission requirements.

To manage the substantial recoil generated by the powerful 14.5×114mm cartridge, the T-Rex incorporates several features:

• A multi-chamber muzzle brake
• A recoil isolator
• An elastic multilayer shoulder pad
• A balanced weight distribution

These elements collectively mitigate recoil, enhancing shooter comfort and accuracy.

Operational Deployment

In 2020, following rigorous state examinations, the Snipex T-Rex was officially adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Since then, it has been actively deployed across various units, including the Special Operations Forces (shown below). The rifle’s capability to engage and destroy enemy equipment and fortifications from extended distances has proven invaluable in both defensive and offensive operations.

A notable instance of its deployment occurred in June 2022, when operators of the Special Operations Forces were documented firing the massive Snipex T-Rex, underscoring its integration into Ukraine’s strategic operations and putting the fear of God into more than a few Russians. 

Impact on the Battlefield

The Snipex T-Rex has significantly enhanced the Ukrainian military’s capacity to conduct precision strikes against high-value targets. Its ability to disable enemy vehicles, disrupt supply lines, and neutralize fortified positions has been instrumental in countering adversary advancements. The rifle’s long-range capabilities allow operators to engage targets from safe distances, reducing exposure to enemy fire and increasing mission success rates.

Summing Up

The Snipex T-Rex anti-materiel rifle exemplifies Ukraine’s commitment to advancing its homegrown defense technologies. Its deployment has provided Ukrainian forces with a formidable tool to counter various threats on the battlefield, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia.