[THREAD] On a new HTS video about their "Thermal Sniping Companies", essentially specialist fighters tasked with the effective use of thermal optics.
This was already widespread in #Idlib, but the video is the first detail I have heard of a dedicated force.
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This was already widespread in #Idlib, but the video is the first detail I have heard of a dedicated force.
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It's unclear to me if the fighters are attached to other HTS squads or operate on their own. Regardless, they are very well equipped w/ AK-74/M, PK/M & RPG-7, with all fighters wearing helmets, tac vests etc.
For the camera, but operational fighters are rather similar.
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For the camera, but operational fighters are rather similar.
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As a demonstration, here's various social media of HTS Fighters (Mostly "Elite" units) carrying thermals. These aren't usually universal through the squad however.
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These specialised fighters, however, are *all* armed with thermal optics, including on machine guns and RPGs. The latter is a real development, I have never observed a non-state group adapt optics meant for *hunting rifles* to RPGs. Thermals on MGs are also extremely useful.
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As an example, the fighter speaking specifically names Saraqib (Where the town was retaken in a HTS-led night assault) and Kabani (Where thermal optics mounted on machine guns have been used to great effect) of where thermal optics were used.
[Below: Scope view]
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[Below: Scope view]
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Thermal Optics are obviously useful in low-zero light conditions, and are especially of value to spot and deal with possible infilteration- see below a PKM with thermal optics in use last week to foil advancing regime troops.
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The models used by HTS vary from rare ATN models to the much more common Pulsar Apex and Fortuna One series, as well as captured Iranian RU-60G, 90G and 120G and Russian PT-series optics. In this video, however, only Fortuna One 3M/3L/XL (Or 6M/3L/3XL) optics are used.
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Amusingly, these optics are manufactured in Russia, but smuggled into Syria. They are very expensive ($6000 for a Fortuna One 3XL locally) and very valued, regime forces are known to use captured examples.
The SyAA countered widepread use of these with a massive influx...
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The SyAA countered widepread use of these with a massive influx...
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...of Russian NPZ PT-3/P-10 thermal optics, which are technologically inferior but are available in much greater quantities.
Regardless, by far the most interesting aspect of the video was the hithertoo never seen adaption of these scopes to RPGs, enabling larger scale...
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Regardless, by far the most interesting aspect of the video was the hithertoo never seen adaption of these scopes to RPGs, enabling larger scale...
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night attacks. None of this stops the regime bulldozer, of course, but it's a great example of NSAGs adapting under pressure. Here's a video featuring both a commander with AKS-74U and Fortuna One 3S, but a PKM with 3/6XL in use. Note external battery pack for longer use.
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The video also emphasises the fighter's ability to switch back to "regular" combat, in which case they would still be regarded as elite units from the high numbers of modern 5.45mm platforms. [Unrelated: Using thermals on RPGs was apparently rather time consuming to develop]
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A good overview shot of the fighters with various AK-74s, PG-7V, PG-7VM, all with Fortuna thermal optics, except one, which may be a captured Iranian RU-60G optic.
(These are inferior, but maybe he spent his funds on the camo job)
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(These are inferior, but maybe he spent his funds on the camo job)
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As yet I am not aware of the true operational status of these "Thermal Sniping Companies", how HTS funds them (I'd presume centrally, this is all very expensive locally), and what their role truly is. Suspect it is to enable low-light operations on a much superior level..
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..beyond mere "sniping", altho AK-74/M16 with magnified thermal optic can easily serve the role of DMR or point man rifle for irregular groups. Their kit is indicative of a elite status.
[Vid:Aug '19, Pulsar Apex XD75/XD50, near Jurf al-Nasr, #Iraq]
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[Vid:Aug '19, Pulsar Apex XD75/XD50, near Jurf al-Nasr, #Iraq]
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And that's about it, a thread that covers much more than a single thermal optics video, because the broader implications for "owning the night" being well and truly over in most theatres is significant. NSAGs can and will develop specialised and adapted low light capability.
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Apologies, this is last year, not last week.
