New Zealand buys new pistol and new rifle
Australian soldiers have been issued the 9mm Browning since anyone can remember (probably the 1950s). The Kiwi’s bought the Sig Sauer P226 in 1992 and are now replacing it with the Glock 17 because ‘it’s due’.
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) military personnel are to be issued with new generation Glock 17 pistols to replace the Sig Sauer pistols currently in use.
The new pistols will be introduced into service across the Navy, Army, and Air Force in the second half of 2016.
Lieutenant Colonel Dean Paul of the Land Capability Delivery Branch said the Sig Sauer P226 pistols were introduced into service in 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,’’ Lieutenant Colonel Paul said.
Australian company NIOA Nominees Pty Ltd has been awarded the $1.8 million contract to supply the NZDF with about 1900 of the new pistols.
The contract includes the pistols, ancillaries, and through-life support.
The new pistol purchase comes hot on the heals of an announcement that the Steyr is being dropped in favour of a possible AR15-derived rifle.
US small arms manufacturer Lewis Machine & Tool Co was officially named the preferred tenderer in the New Zealand Defence Force’s Individual Weapon Replacement programme – though the announcement didn’t indicate an exact model.
Australia is also getting a new rifle, in the form of the EF88 (Enhanced F88) made by Thales, but CONTACT is unaware of any plans to replace the Browning pistol (feel free to enlighten us if you know different – editor@militarycontact.com). We do note, however, that the Glock 19, Glock 26 and H&K USP are issued to certain specialist elements of the ADF – all mentioned in our viewee-twoee-sized “Weapons of the ADF” pam available free to all subscribers.
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The EFF8 is one good looking firearm. The tan version really shows the guns details.
It’s about time that they change their firearms, most of them are already worn out and not working properly anymore.
Hi Andrew. I saw a report yesterday that New Zealand’s new rifle will arrive before the end of this year. Brian Hartigan, Editor
Hi Brian thanks for the reply.
Yeah it could be nothing more than a shit buzz, but wouldn’t discount their intentions entirely.
If RAAF pilots (who are very basic weapons trained no more higher than a clerk or cook) are trusted to be equipped with the same pistol without the modification, then why aren’t the rest of the service members entrusted the with the same as well…. that in itself speaks volumes.
To me it’s just another ‘political safe’ decision. Hence the reason why there’s no sense in logical debate…. because there isn’t any logic!
Seriously believe the ADF should get a wriggle on in replacing the Mk3 with a new sidearm. Seeing troops out in the field (apart from SpecOps) carrying all the latest & greatest kit, only to be seen carrying an antiquated (nearly 90 yr old designed handgun) leaves the picture a little undone.
I believe the best contender would be the Glock 19. Whilst the poms and Kiwis went for the Glock 17, the model 19 is held in much higher regards and favourited amongst many tactical firearms trainers and combat/law enforcement shooters worldwide. They often refer to it as ‘the fighting handgun’ of the Glock family. In fact, the Navy SEALs adopted it within the last year or so. Should I say anymore?
Thanks for your thoughts Brett.
A little birdie told me recently that the ADF is indeed looking to purchase a new sidearm and have chosen to go with Glock – but the project is delayed because the ADF wants Glock to redesign their pistol with a ‘proper safety catch’.
Not saying this is true – just saying a little birdie told me.
Brian Hartigan
Managing Editor