Denel NTW-20

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	Weapon: Denel NTW-20 Type: Sniper Rifle Country of Origin: South Africa Year Adopted: 1998 Overall Length (mm): 1790.0 Overall Length (in): 70.47 Weight (kg): 26.00 Weight (pounds): 57.32

The Denel NTW-20 is a South African anti-materiel rifle developed by Denel Land Systems to engage high-value targets such as radar installations, parked aircraft, and lightly armored vehicles. Designed in the 1990s by Tony Neophytou, the NTW-20 is a bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle that is unique for its ability to be chambered in both 20mm and 14.5mm calibers. The rifle features a modular design that allows for a quick barrel and caliber change, providing adaptability depending on the mission requirements. Its immense firepower and range of over 1,500 meters make it a highly specialized weapon for long-range precision strikes against hardened targets.

Production of the NTW-20 has been relatively limited, as it is primarily manufactured for special forces and military units requiring extreme long-range firepower. The rifle has been adopted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and has reportedly been exported to several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The weapon's powerful recoil is managed through an advanced muzzle brake and a hydraulic buffer system, allowing trained operators to handle its significant kick effectively. Weighing over 30 kg when fully equipped, the NTW-20 is a crew-served weapon that is typically deployed in defensive or ambush roles rather than for standard sniper operations.

The NTW-20 has gained notoriety for its capability to destroy enemy equipment from extreme distances with high-caliber ammunition, including armor-piercing and high-explosive incendiary rounds. While not as widely used as other anti-materiel rifles like the Barrett M82, it remains one of the few bolt-action rifles in the world chambered for 20mm ammunition. Its reputation as a highly destructive and precise weapon has made it a favored choice for military forces seeking a versatile long-range anti-materiel solution. Despite its limited production, the NTW-20 continues to be a respected asset in specialized military operations.