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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation]()
Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation
The Borsuk vehicles are to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1 as the Polish military’s main tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
-
![DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract]()
DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
-
![The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army]()
The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army
In Conversation: Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s Chris Burrows about how the company's UK TacCIS business is reshaping battlefield communications through sustained customer engagement, accelerated innovation and ecosystem collaboration.
-
![Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million]()
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.
