Istiglal IST-14.5
Ministry of Defence Industry of Azerbaijan · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2008
Also known as: IST-14.5, Independence
Overview
The Istiglal IST-14.5 (meaning 'Independence') is an Azerbaijani semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle chambered in the devastating 14.5x114mm Soviet cartridge. Developed by RPE Automatic Lines and produced by the Telemexanika zavodu (Factory of Telemechanics), a subsidiary of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence Industry, the rifle was adopted by Azerbaijani forces in 2008 and publicly unveiled in 2009. The Istiglal operates on a short-recoil principle with barrel locking achieved by a rotating bolt with three radial locking lugs. Its semi-automatic action makes it one of the few self-loading rifles chambered in this extremely powerful cartridge. The rifle can be field-stripped into two separate components for transportation and is rated for operation in extreme temperatures from -50 to 50 degrees Celsius. With a 1,300mm barrel and an overall length of 2,256mm, it is one of the largest shoulder-fired weapons in active military service.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 33800 g (1192.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2256 mm (88.82") |
| Barrel Length | 1300 mm (51.18") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000 m/s (3281 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 32000 J (23602 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 3000 m (3281 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 14.5x114mm · primary — also known as 14.5mm Soviet, 14.5x114mm Soviet
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Optical Sight, Quick Disassembly, Recoil Buffer
Service history
Operators
- Azerbaijani Armed Forces · adopted 2008 · as Istiglal
- Turkish Armed Forces
- Pakistan Armed Forces
Conflicts
- 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War (2020)
Production
Production years: 2008-present
Produced by Factory of Telemechanics in Azerbaijan. Exported to Turkey and Pakistan. Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Azerbaijan
Notes
The 14.5x114mm cartridge was originally developed in the Soviet Union prior to World War II as an anti-tank rifle round. The Istiglal fires heavy AP, API, and API-T projectiles weighing between 62 and 66 grams, capable of penetrating armored vehicles and hardened structures at considerable distances. The rifle's name 'Istiglal' means 'Independence' in Azerbaijani, reflecting national pride in indigenous defense manufacturing capability.
Background
The Istiglal IST-14.5 is one of the most powerful semi-automatic rifles in the world, firing the same 14.5mm cartridge originally designed to destroy World War II-era tanks. At 33.8 kg empty, it requires a two-person crew to transport and deploy effectively, making it more akin to a crew-served weapon than a traditional sniper rifle.