Recent images have shown that the Regional Operational Support Unit teams of the Kosovo LE service are currently fielding .50 BMG M107A1 Barrett anti-materiel rifles and Brügger & Thomet 7.62x51mm NATO APRs in their precision rifle inventories. The rifles were unveiled during the Kosovo Independence Day Celebrations held in February of this year while the unit was marching on parade. The rifles were pictured in being carried by officers dressed in digital woodland camouflage uniforms. But this appears to be part of the attire for the parade, apparently illustrating an urban black uniform and then a winter uniform.

The M107A1 from Barrett Firearms is unique from other Barrett models in that it has a cylindrical muzzle device that is designed to pair with a Barrett produced QD suppressor. In addition, it has a sort of skeletonized monopod assembly/support grip that can be easily removed from the rifle. One design aspect of this is that it allows a spade grip to be attached to the rifle so it can be easily fired out of a vehicle port opening when mounted. The ROSU units operate all over the country, from dense urban areas to rural settings, so it would appear that the rifles most likely fit an operational requirement for an anti-materiel rifle capable of delivering multiple shots on hard targets under 1000 meters. It must be stressed that although the semi-automatic Barretts have improved dramatically in their ability to hold 2 and 1 MOA accuracy, they are still not as precise as modern bolt action precision rifles in 7.62x51mm or even .338 Lapua. For this it appears the teams are relying on the B&T APRs to supplement the 107A1 accuracy.

For those curious, the two officers crossing their hands across their chest appear to be displaying some sort of sign, either a national gesture or maybe a more unique unit centered one.

This video shows a segment of one of the parades in question-

For such a small (and relatively new) country, the special response team seems to have quite the budget for their small arms inventory. Such as these H&K 416s also in use-

Specfications (Barrett Firearms)

Model: M107A1
Caliber: 50 BMG
Operation: Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic
Rail Length/MOA: 18” (45.72 cm) 27 MOA
Weight: 20″ Barrel – 27.4 lbs (12.4 kg) or 29″ Barrel – 28.7 lbs (13 kg)
Overall Assembled Length: 57” (145 cm) or 48” (122 cm)
Barrel Length: 29” (73.7 cm) or 20” (50.8 cm)
Barrel Twist: 1 turn in 15” (38.1 cm)
Magazine Capacity: 10 Rounds

Calibre
.308 Win (7.62 x 51 mm NATO)

System
Repeating action

Operation
Single shot

Length
906 mm / 1200 mm

Width
98 mm (incl. bolt handle)

Height
215 mm without scope

Barrel Length
610 mm

Twist Rate
280 mm / 11″

Weight
6.1 kg