Modern Sniper Weaponry Iran Strengthens Arsenal with Orsis T 5000M Rifles

[0:10]The recent acquisition of Russian Orsis T-5000M sniper rifles by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC marks a significant step in strengthening the country's military capabilities. These precision rifles were first showcased during the second phase of the large-scale military exercises Great Profit 19, where IRGC sniper teams actively used them for long-range shooting in mountainous terrain. This addition to Iran's arsenal reflects its ongoing efforts to modernize its ground forces. The Orsis T-5000M is a bolt action magazine fed rifle known for its exceptional accuracy. Depending on the caliber, it enables targeting at distances of up to 1,500 m. The manufacturer claims an accuracy of 0.5 arc minutes, equivalent to a shot dispersion of just 11 cm at 800 m. Unlike the widely used 7.62x51 mm sniper rifles in Iran, these Russian rifles utilize more powerful calibers, extending their range and effectiveness. Manufactured by the Moscow-based company Orsis, the T-5000M is available in multiple calibers, including 0.308 Win, 0.300 Win Magnum, 0.338 Lapua Magnum, 0.375 H&H, 6.5 Creedmore, and 0.300 Norma Magnum. The rifle is actively used by Russian special forces and was deployed during the military conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, it has been exported under defense contracts to countries such as China, Iraq, Syria, Belarus, and other Middle Eastern and Asian nations. The Orsis T-5000M has been documented in various conflict zones worldwide. In 2020, it was spotted in the hands of ISIS* fighters and Hezbollah militants, likely obtained as battlefield trophies from Iraqi forces. A photograph from May 2020 shows a Hezbollah fighter equipped with an Orsis T-5000M fitted with an Iranian-made RU-60G thermal sight, indicating the weapon's presence among non-state armed groups. While Russia exports Orsis T-5000M rifles abroad, domestic production of Dragunov SVD sniper rifles has been ramped up, while the large-scale manufacture of newer models like the Chukavin SVC has been temporarily halted. The Kalashnikov Concern recently announced its first contracts for 2025 and a significant increase in SVD production. Designed between 1958 and 1963 for the 7.62x54 mm cartridge, the SVD remains in service, though it is considered outdated, prompting the development of the SVC, introduced in 2017. The purchase of Orsis T-5000M sniper rifles significantly enhances the IRGC's long-range precision shooting capabilities. This move demonstrates Iran's strategy of equipping its forces with advanced weaponry, potentially shifting the regional balance of power. This arsenal upgrade highlights the country's commitment to improving the combat readiness of its elite units and reinforcing its battlefield presence.