Handgun

Handgun Acquisition for the Army aims to support the Army Modernization priorities by enhancing Joint Lethality in contested environments and minimizing erosion of close combat capability relative to peer competitors in complex terrain, as outlined in the National Defense Strategy. The program involves replacing the M9 Semi-Automatic Pistol, which has been utilized as the Department of Defense's personal defense weapon since 1985, with the new M17 Full Size Modular Handgun and replacing the M11 Handguns with the M18 Compact Size Modular Handgun. The objectives include addressing the shortcomings of the M9 Pistol and M11 Pistol with improved lethality, target acquisition, ergonomics, reliability, durability, and maintainability. The program also aims to provide a more capable system consistent with the planned force structure and emerging operational needs of the Army.

The Modular Handgun System (MHS) is a Commercial Off the Shelf/Non-Developmental Item (COTS/NDI) that delivers a more capable system (weapon, ammo, and magazines) consistent with the planned force structure and emerging operational needs of the Army. The program's specific goals include meeting the Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) of 233,429 and supporting homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and providing military support to civil authorities in accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L.110-181). Additionally, in FY 2024 Base procurement dollars in the amount of $0.032 million supports the procurement of two-hundred (200) General Officer (GO) pistols and various spare parts for the Handgun.