Weapons manufacturers have until Jan. 28 to submit proposals for the Army’s next pistol under the Modular Handgun System, which will replace the long-serving M9.
The new sidearm must improve upon the existing pistol’s accuracy and lethality, as well as offer a modular grip and the ability to accommodate multiple sights and other accessories, according to the solicitation criteria.
The competition came after the Army rejected M9 maker Beretta’s proposal for filling existing orders with the upgraded M9A3. Arizona Sen. John McCain labeled the acquisition program wasteful and called for the service to consider commercially available alternatives.
