LONDON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The British Defense Ministry announced it has issued a new rifle to troops in Afghanistan with long-range target acquisition capabilities.
Quentin Davies, minister for defense equipment and support, says the new L129A1 Sharpshooter semiautomatic rifle issued to troops countering Taliban militants in Afghanistan marks the first new infantry combat rifle for troops in more than two decades.
Officials say the L129A1 Sharpshooter provides soldiers with strengthened accuracy capabilities. The order was purchased by the Defense Ministry for approximately $2.4 million.
"The Sharpshooter rifle adds to this arsenal and provides them with an additional, highly-precise, long-range capability," Davies said in a statement.
"This is a concrete example of where we add to our range of equipment to ensure our brave forces have the best kit available to them on the front line."
