CZ to replace P8 with P13 – the Bundeswehr’s new handgun
CZ to replace P8 with P13 – the Bundeswehr’s new handgun
The German Bundeswehr is reportedly planning to procure handguns from the Czech manufacturer Česká zbrojovka (CZ) as part of its “Cross-Sectional Pistol” project, which will be known as P13 once in service, according to multiple well-informed sources within the industry who confirmed the development to hartpunkt. This indicates that CZ has likely prevailed over competitors Arex from Slovenia and Glock from Austria in the final round of the tender. A draft proposal seeking approximately €25 million (£21.2 million) is reportedly being prepared and is expected to be submitted to the Bundestag for approval before autumn. The total value of the contract is likely to be much higher, but all procurements exceeding €25 million have to be submitted to the Bundestag for approval.
Sources indicate that the Bundeswehr intends to procure up to 186,000 pistols, corresponding to the number of carrying systems, with 62,000 of these expected as a firm order. The new service pistol, designated P13, will be chambered in 9 x 19 mm and is intended to replace the current P8 pistols in service with German troops.
To facilitate this acquisition, the Bundeswehr Procurement Office (BAAINBw) initiated two separate tendering processes:
In early November 2024, the competition for a seven-year framework agreement for the production and supply of the “Cross-Sectional Pistol” commenced. According to well-informed circles, this tender not only includes the delivery of the pistols but also their corresponding holsters. The tender was issued without a prior comparative trial. At the opening of the tender, price was listed as the sole award criterion with a 100 percent weighting.
It is important to note here that all considered bids must fully meet the requirements set by the Bundeswehr for the P13. Listing price as the only deciding factor simply means that no additional points will be awarded for exceeding the stated requirements.
This was followed in December 2024 by the tender for a “Pistol QS P13 Carrying System.” The BAAINBw’s corresponding announcement on the European online procurement platform TED stated, “The carrying equipment should enable the secure transport of the new cross-sectional pistol and accommodate different carrying methods.” The Bundeswehr Procurement Office further specified, “The awarding of this contract does not include the procurement of the holster bodies. These are to be made usable with the carrying equipment to be procured, via a predefined interface.”
This article, written by Waldemar Geiger, was originally published in German by Hartpunkt on 8th July 2025. Hartpunkt and Calibre are collaborating to bring you the best content from across Europe.
CZ to replace P8 with P13 – the Bundeswehr’s new handgun
The German Bundeswehr is reportedly planning to procure handguns from the Czech manufacturer Česká zbrojovka (CZ) as part of its “Cross-Sectional Pistol” project, which will be known as P13 once in service, according to multiple well-informed sources within the industry who confirmed the development to hartpunkt. This indicates that CZ has likely prevailed over competitors Arex from Slovenia and Glock from Austria in the final round of the tender. A draft proposal seeking approximately €25 million (£21.2 million) is reportedly being prepared and is expected to be submitted to the Bundestag for approval before autumn. The total value of the contract is likely to be much higher, but all procurements exceeding €25 million have to be submitted to the Bundestag for approval.
Sources indicate that the Bundeswehr intends to procure up to 186,000 pistols, corresponding to the number of carrying systems, with 62,000 of these expected as a firm order. The new service pistol, designated P13, will be chambered in 9 x 19 mm and is intended to replace the current P8 pistols in service with German troops.
To facilitate this acquisition, the Bundeswehr Procurement Office (BAAINBw) initiated two separate tendering processes:
In early November 2024, the competition for a seven-year framework agreement for the production and supply of the “Cross-Sectional Pistol” commenced. According to well-informed circles, this tender not only includes the delivery of the pistols but also their corresponding holsters. The tender was issued without a prior comparative trial. At the opening of the tender, price was listed as the sole award criterion with a 100 percent weighting.
It is important to note here that all considered bids must fully meet the requirements set by the Bundeswehr for the P13. Listing price as the only deciding factor simply means that no additional points will be awarded for exceeding the stated requirements.
This was followed in December 2024 by the tender for a “Pistol QS P13 Carrying System.” The BAAINBw’s corresponding announcement on the European online procurement platform TED stated, “The carrying equipment should enable the secure transport of the new cross-sectional pistol and accommodate different carrying methods.” The Bundeswehr Procurement Office further specified, “The awarding of this contract does not include the procurement of the holster bodies. These are to be made usable with the carrying equipment to be procured, via a predefined interface.”
This article, written by Waldemar Geiger, was originally published in German by Hartpunkt on 8th July 2025. Hartpunkt and Calibre are collaborating to bring you the best content from across Europe.
