NIOA and Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) have conducted a testing program for the new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS). As a result, Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks-based 7th Brigade is the first operational unit to be equipped with the SWS.
“With CASG coordinating the rollout, and NIOA personnel delivering directly from our facility to user units, the distribution of the F9 pistol to the first units has been a huge success,” NIOA Australia-New Zealand CEO Ben James stated.
Australian Army soldiers have tested the next-generation service pistol, marking a next step in the LAND 300 Lethality System Program.
James said NIOA’s project team was on hand throughout the rollout to provide armourer familiarisation training, expertise and advice as well as validating the training against the analysis of training requirements delivered earlier as part of the project, earning high praise from Defence.
The SWS includes the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, Romeo 2 red dot sight, a white light torch, holster and retractable lanyard. It replaces the long-serving Browning Mk3 pistol and will be known in service as the F9 pistol.