Handgun

The Handgun program, as outlined in Line Item 8635G15325 of the Army's FY 2026 budget request, is focused on the ongoing procurement and sustainment of the Modular Handgun System (MHS). This program is managed under the Army's Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles appropriation, specifically within the Weapons & Other Combat Vehicles budget activity. The primary goal of the Handgun program is to support Army modernization priorities by enhancing close combat lethality and ensuring that soldiers are equipped with reliable, effective sidearms that meet the demands of contemporary operational environments.

The Modular Handgun System replaces legacy sidearms, specifically the M9 Semi-Automatic Pistol and the M11 Handgun, with the new M17 Full Size Modular Handgun and M18 Compact Size Modular Handgun, respectively. The MHS is a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and Non-Developmental Item (NDI) solution, selected to deliver improved performance in terms of lethality, target acquisition, ergonomics, reliability, durability, and maintainability. The system includes not only the handgun itself but also compatible ammunition and magazines, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade to the Army's personal defense weapon capability.

The objectives of the Modular Handgun System are specifically designed to address shortcomings identified in previous Army sidearms. These include enhancing ambidextrous operation, accommodating a wide range of user hand sizes (from the 5th to the 95th percentile), and providing modular grips and controls that can be accessed with one hand. The improved design supports operational effectiveness in contested environments, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy, and is intended to minimize the erosion of close combat capability relative to peer competitors.

For FY 2026, the budget justification highlights a modest procurement request. These funds are allocated to purchase General Officer pistols, basic issue items for the General Officer pistols, and various spare parts necessary for the sustainment of the Handgun fleet. This procurement supports both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces, ensuring readiness for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities, in accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) for handguns was met in FY 2020. As a result, current and future budget requests are focused primarily on sustainment, replacement of specific items such as General Officer pistols, and the procurement of spare parts rather than large-scale acquisition of new handguns. This shift reflects the transition from initial fielding to long-term support and lifecycle management of the MHS inventory.

The Handgun line item does not include advance procurement or research and development activities, as the MHS is a mature, service-ready system. The program does not have associated Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Major Automated Information System (MAIS) codes, nor does it reference other related program elements, indicating its status as a standalone procurement and sustainment effort. The focus remains on maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that Army personnel have access to modern, reliable sidearms for a range of missions.