French German Research Institute of Saint-Louis is developing an optically guided 12.7x99 mm round with aerodynamic steering to improve snipers’ scores at longer ranges.
EDR Magazine reported that the Institute of Saint-Louis revealed the I-SMART ammunition during the SOFFINS 2025 exhibition. Developed with the consideration of existing anti-materiel sniper rifles chambered in 12.7x99 mm (.50 BMG) ammunition, little modification is required for fitting.
The onboard guidance system for the I-SMART bullet consists of an optical seeker, likely a laser-based one, for tracking illuminated targets by the operator and aerodynamic control surfaces, which might be based on asymmetric braking.
The guidance can course-correct the ammunition against disturbances and increase the effective range against moving targets, the latter’s capacity stated as up to moving targets at 60 km/h.
In the past, DARPA of the U.S. worked on a similar project named EXACTO in the same calibre. A successful test of the ammunition against a moving target at long range was published about ten years ago, but the project’s fate remains uncertain.
Even though guided sniper ammunition has a shine almost like a cheat, managing costs for such small electronics-based ammunition would not be an empty concern. Additionally, highly brittle guidance components filling most of the round will impact qualities like penetration against armour.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
