GD OTS and Smith & Wesson team for US Army handgun system
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and Smith & Wesson will team to pursue the US Army’s programme to replace the M9 standard army sidearm, with an offering based on the Smith & Wesson M&P Polymer Pistol platform.
Under its draft Modular Handgun System (MHS) solicitation, the US Army is seeking a new modular handgun system that can be easily adjusted to fit all hand sizes and is optimised for improved gun, ammunition and magazine performance. The competition will commence in January 2015, with delivery of the first new handgun systems expected in 2017.
The Smith & Wesson M&P Polymer Pistol has been in production since 2005. It is designed with a reinforced polymer chassis, advanced ergonomics and safety features, and ambidextrous controls.
Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium calibre ammunition and weapons, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, said: ‘This partnership combines General Dynamics' proven legacy in manufacturing military armaments with Smith & Wesson's extensive experience in designing and manufacturing firearms for commercial applications. General Dynamics' extensive background in winning and managing military contracts brings proven leadership to the venture and by joining together, we will use our combined knowledge and expertise to bring this unique capability to the US military to better equip the warfighter.’
James Debney, president and CEO, Smith & Wesson, added: ‘The strategic partnership between our two companies provides us with a tremendous opportunity to support our military with a state-of-the-art sidearm, namely our M&P pistol. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems brings us a wealth of experience and resource in federal government contracting and that capability is an ideal match with our knowledge in handgun manufacturing technology. We look forward to working together to pursue this exciting opportunity to support our military.’
More from Land Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin signs Australian air and missile defence system deal
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth AU$500 million (US$326 million), will result in a sovereign system that can provide greater situational awareness and help to defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. It will sit at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence programme.
-
Rheinmetall wins communications deal that could be worth up to €400 million
The systems have been purchased under a special fund which has already been tapped into for the purchase of 60 CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters worth up to €8 billion (US$8.7 billion) and thousands of Rheinmetall Caracal airmobile special operations vehicles worth €1.9 billion.
-
Italy weighs up the challenge of its tank replacement plans
The Russia–Ukraine war has continued to be the place the world’s militaries have been watching for lessons on both the EW and uncrewed front. Its conventional war aspect, however, has also been catching the attention of leaders.
-
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.