Weapons: May 22, 2001

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Ukraine has developed a 12.7mm (.50 caliber) sniper rifle. It has an effective range of 2,000 meters. With an armor piercing round, it can penetrate 15mm of armor at 600 meters. TASKO, the manufacturer, says the weapon is designed for use against helicopters, armored vehicles and missile launchers. Ukraine, like most East European nations, has proved willing to sell inexpensive weapons to anyone with the cash. So we can expect to see this new 12.7mm weapon in the hands of rebels, terrorists and drug gangs.