Canada awards contract for new Army pistols

From: National Defence

News release

Today, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, announced a contract award valued at $3.2 million (USD) to provide the Canadian Army with new pistols and holster systems. Following an open and transparent competitive process,  M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd. of Victoria, B.C., was awarded the contract for the C22 full frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) and holster system.

The Canadian government will procure an initial amount of 7,000 pistols and holster systems for the Canadian Army. Additional options for up to 9,500 pistols will be available under the contract to cover off the remaining requirements for the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police. Pistol delivery is anticipated to begin in mid-2023.

The C22 full frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) will use the existing ammunition and have similar ballistic performance as the existing Browning pistol. The wide range of improvements will include expanded magazine capacity, lighter weight, improved ergonomics, and an indicator identifying whether or not the weapon is loaded - visible from many angles. It will also ensure ambidextrous controls to enable both left and right hand users the ability to operate the weapon effectively.

The Government of Canada is providing the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) with the equipment they need to support CAF operations and fulfill national and international commitments.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need when they need it. Replacing the Browning 9mm with the C22 full frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) will help ensure the continued operational readiness and effectiveness of all our members. We look forward to the delivery of these new pistols and holster systems in the coming year.”

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“As a result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process, we are pleased to award this contract to M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd., a Canadian distributor of tactical equipment. This contract will provide our troops with modern, reliable pistols and holsters to carry out their work, while supporting economic opportunities for the Canadian defence industry.”

The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada  

Quick facts

  • This contract will include the pistols, holster systems, spares, and operator and maintenance training.

  • A minimum of 7000 pistols will be procured for the Canadian Army along with options for an additional 9,500 to support Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police requirements. 

  • The potential contract value if all options are exercised is $7.6 million (USD).  This includes pistols for the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police as well as unassigned options.

  • These pistols will be used by CAF personnel in all types of operating environments and under a range of conditions.

  • The C22 Full Frame Modular Pistol (Sig Sauer P320) is a battle-proven pistol in use with multiple militaries around the world including Denmark, France, and the United States.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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