(Washington) It was announced today that 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will be the first US army unit to receive the new Modular Handgun System. (XM17) In August 2015 the US Army launched a competition in which to replace its Cold War-era M9 9mm pistol. Jan 17, Sig Sauer was awarded the contract worth $580 million to make the next service pistol based on the company's P320 handgun. Sig touts the P320 model product as "modular" and "adaptable," with interchangeable grips, multiple sizes and calibres that can be converted between 9mm, .357 SIG and .40 S&W. The 10-year contract calls for Sig to supply the Army with full-size and compact versions of the gun. The pistols can be outfitted with silencers and accommodate standard and extended capacity magazines. The pistol will be manufactured in New Hampshire.
The current plan is for the Army to purchase 195,000 MHS pistols. The other services intend to buy:
-- Air Force: 130,000
-- Navy: 61,000,
-- Marine Corps: 35,000
