Swiss army chooses U.S.-made P320 pistol

Key Points
  • SIG SAUER’s P320 has been selected as the new standard-issued sidearm for the Swiss Armed Forces.
  • The selection followed a competitive process by Armasuisse focused on safety, ergonomics, and long-term reliability.

SIG SAUER announced on Tuesday that the Swiss Armed Forces have officially selected the P320 pistol as their new standard-issued sidearm.

The decision is part of Switzerland’s broader New Generation Project aimed at modernizing core equipment for its military personnel.

According to a company statement, the selection followed a rigorous competitive process conducted by Armasuisse, the Swiss federal office responsible for defense procurement. The process included technical testing, field trials, and soldier feedback with a focus on safety, reliability, and long-term performance.

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“The P320 was selected by the Swiss Armed Forces to serve as their new standard-issued sidearm,” SIG SAUER stated. “We are truly honored by Armasuisse’s selection and validation that the P320 meets the stringent quality and precision demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.”

The company emphasized that the selection was based on the pistol’s modularity, modern ergonomics, and proven ability to meet a 30-year service life. The P320 platform is known for its adaptability, allowing it to be configured for various soldier needs and mission profiles. It is compatible with a range of accessories and upgrades.

SIG SAUER added that the P320 has “precision and reliability [that] make the platform extremely well suited for the dynamic and unique needs of the Swiss Armed Forces and their traditional citizen-soldiers.”

The P320 is already in service with several other NATO and allied militaries, including the United States, Australia, Denmark, and Canada.

In a statement, SIG SAUER noted: “We are proud of SIG SAUER AG for this incredible achievement and honored for the opportunity to expand our manufacturing footprint in Switzerland and meet the incredible demands of the Swiss Armed Forces.”

The agreement will further deepen SIG SAUER’s production presence in Switzerland and is expected to support the country’s long-term defense industry priorities. No timeline or delivery quantities were disclosed in the public statement.

The Swiss decision to adopt the P320 adds to the platform’s growing reputation as a widely used military sidearm. The P320 was also selected as the standard sidearm of the U.S. military under the Modular Handgun System (MHS) program in 2017, where it was adopted as the M17 and M18 variants.

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