THE first new infantry combat rifle to be issued to troops for more than 20 years has arrived in Afghanistan.

The Sharpshooter rifle fires a 7.62mm round and enhances accuracy of engagement during longer-range firefights.

The Sharpshooter's considerable range takes it into the realm of sniper territory, but it requires far less training to use, being more similar to the standard service rifle than the highly-specialised weapons used by those in the sniper profession.

The new rifle has been welcomed by troops because of its enhanced accuracy and longer range. Royal Marine Sergeant Baz Evans said: “I have fired more than 1,000 rounds on the rifle in training - accurately hitting targets more than 800 metres away.

“The new Sharpshooter rifle provides quick and accurate fire, with the flexibility of using it in the assault rifle role as well.”

More than 400 of the semi-automatic rifles have been bought as an urgent operational requirement. What this does, as well as increasing firepower, is increase the load carried by soldiers - the 7.62 mm round is much heavier than the standard 5.56mm round used by the SA80.

It also increases the logistic headache as there are now seven personal weapons used by soldiers, firing five different calibres of ammunition.

On a personal note, I remembered when the SA80 was introduced into service - many of us delighted in the lightness of the weapon system but regretted the loss of the heavier round and greater range.