The ‘dated technology’ used by US Army soldiers since the 1980s is set to get a major upgrade.
Soldiers at the 101st Airborne Division’s Fort Campbell base have received the Army’s new Modular Handgun System: the M17 and ‘compact’ M18 pistols.
According to the Army, the new weapons are more accurate, easier to fire, and more lethal than their predecessor, and will eventually replace the M9 pistol that has been the standard sidearm for the last 31 years.
The ‘dated technology’ used by US Army soldiers since the 1980s is set to get a major upgrade. Soldiers at the 101st Airborne Division’s Fort Campbell base have received the Army’s new Modular Handgun System: the M17 and ‘compact’ M18 pistols
The Air Assault division is the first to receive the new handguns, with members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team among the first to test them out.
‘It is easier to fire and simpler to operate,’ said Sgt. Matthew J. Marsh, a 1st Brigade Combat Team Soldier.
‘The pistol felt very natural in my hand. I am excited to take my experience back to my unit and share it with my Soldiers.’
The new pistols come amid ongoing efforts to modernize the Army, officials say.
The M9 has remained the standard since 1986 – but, over the next decade, the new MHS will be distributed to all units to replace the old pistol.
The MHS includes the M17, and the M18, which is said to be a compact version.
The handguns are manufactured by Sig Sauer, under a $580 million ten year contract.
‘The world has changed since the strength and resilience of this division was forged during the maelstrom of World War II,’ said Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commander.
The Air Assault division is the first to receive the new handguns, with members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team among the first to test them out. ‘It is easier to fire and simpler to operate,’ said Sgt. Matthew J. Marsh, a 1st Brigade Combat Team Soldier
The new pistols come amid ongoing efforts to modernize the Army, officials say. The M9 has remained the standard since 1986 – but, over the next decade, the new MHS will be distributed to all units to replace the old pistol
‘In order to maintain our decisive edge, we must continue to outpace our potential adversaries with more lethal capabilities, from the modular handgun system we fielded today to the innovative and adaptive air assault concepts, equipment and training the 101st continues to perfect.’
The M17 and M18 are equipped with an external safety and self-illuminating lights, according to the Army.
This will help soldiers operating in low-light conditions.
They also contain an integrated rail for attaching enablers, and an Army standard suppressor conversion kit to attach an acoustic/flash suppressor.
According to the Army, the new weapons are more accurate, easier to fire, and more lethal than their predecessor, and will eventually replace the M9 pistol (left) that has been the standard sidearm for the last 31 years
The MHS includes the M17, and the M18, which is said to be a compact version. The handguns are manufactured by Sig Sauer, under a $580 million contract. They will be rolled out over the next decade
Sig Sauer, who makes the guns, won the contract in January after winning the Army and Air Force’s modular handgun competition.
The new system will slowly phase out the M9.
‘That’s pretty dated technology,’ said Lt. Col. Steven Power, project manager Soldier Weapons, individual weapons product manager.
‘The specific performance improvements from MHS over the M9 include better accuracy, tighter dispersion, and better ergonomics, which combined result in a far more lethal pistol.’