Longest Sniper Kill In History

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In the annals of military marksmanship, few achievements compare to the extraordinary feat accomplished by Viacheslav Kovalskyi, a 58-year-old Ukrainian sniper who shattered all previous records with an unprecedented long-distance shot during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. On a frigid day in November 2023, Kovalskyi demonstrated a level of precision that pushes the boundaries of human capability, eliminating a Russian officer from an astounding distance of 3,800 meters (2.36 miles).

The Remarkable Sniper Behind the Record

Kovalskyi’s journey is anything but typical. Before the Russian invasion in 2022, he was a successful businessman with a background in competitive long-distance shooting. When war erupted, he immediately signed up to serve in the Security Service of Ukraine’s Special Group “Alpha”. His transformation from civilian to elite sniper represents the extraordinary spirit of Ukrainian resistance.

The Technology of an Impossible Shot

The shot was made possible by cutting-edge equipment and exceptional skill. Kovalskyi used a Ukrainian-made Volodar Obriyu (Horizon’s Lord) anti-material rifle, specifically designed for extreme long-range engagements. The weapon was paired with a custom-developed 12.7×114 mm HL wildcat round, which provided the extraordinary velocity and accuracy needed to achieve such a remarkable kill.

The Complexity of Extreme Long-Distance Shooting

Achieving a shot at this distance involves calculating numerous complex factors:

  • Wind speed and direction at multiple points along the bullet’s trajectory
  • Precise atmospheric conditions, including temperature and humidity
  • The Earth’s rotation and its impact on bullet trajectory
  • Bullet flight time of approximately nine seconds

Historical Context of Long-Distance Sniper Kills

Before Kovalskyi’s record-breaking shot, the previous longest confirmed kill was by a Canadian Joint Task Force 2 sniper in 2017, who eliminated an ISIS fighter from 3,540 meters (2.2 miles) during operations in Iraq. The Australian Defence Force held the third-longest record at 2,815 meters (1.75 miles).

Technological Evolution of Sniper Rifles

Modern sniper rifles have evolved dramatically from their historical counterparts. Where once a 1,000-yard shot was considered exceptional, today’s advanced weaponry and computational technologies allow for kills at distances that were previously unimaginable. The average human can only see 2.9 miles before the Earth’s curvature obscures the view, making these shots truly remarkable.

🎯 Note: These extreme long-distance shots represent the absolute pinnacle of human marksmanship, combining advanced technology with extraordinary human skill.

Kovalskyi's achievement is more than just a technical marvel. It represents the resilience, skill, and determination of Ukrainian defenders facing overwhelming odds. His shot sent a powerful message, demonstrating that precision and skill can be more powerful than sheer military might.

How long did the bullet take to reach its target?

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Approximately nine seconds, covering a distance of 3,800 meters.

What rifle was used for this record-breaking shot?

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A Ukrainian-made Volodar Obriyu (Horizon’s Lord) anti-material rifle, using a custom 12.7×114 mm HL wildcat round.

Who is Viacheslav Kovalskyi?

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A 58-year-old former businessman and competitive long-distance shooter who joined Ukraine’s Security Service after the 2022 Russian invasion.