New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) military personnel will be issued the Gen 4 Glock 17 pistols to replace their Sig Sauer P226 pistols presently in use force wide. The new pistols will be issued across the Navy, Army, and Air Force in the second half of 2016.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Dean Paul of the Land Capability Delivery Branch said the Sig Sauer P226 pistols were placed in service during 1992 and were due to be replaced.
“Ensuring we remain a force equipped to succeed means supplying our people with fit-for-purpose personal protection weapons. This is part of our 2020 strategy for enhanced combat capability and we are pleased to be rolling out the new pistols next year,’’ LTCOL Paul said.
Australian company NIOA Nominees Pty Ltd has been awarded the $1.8 million contract to supply the NZDF with about 1,900 of the new pistols. The contract includes the pistols, ancillaries, and through-life support.
FOG HORN 