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January 5, 2021 | Local, Land

Canadian military to receive new pistols: Bids to be requested in February

David Pugliese • Ottawa Citizen

The new handguns will replace the Second World War-era Browning Hi-Power pistols.

The Second World War-era pistols used by the Canadian military will soon be replaced as the federal government plans to request bids for a new handgun in February.

A contract is expected to be awarded by September with initial deliveries beginning in the summer of 2022, Department of National Defence spokesperson Jessica Lamirande said.

The new handguns will replace the Second World War-era Browning Hi-Power pistols.

The military was originally going to make an initial purchase of 9,000 pistols for the Canadian Army. But that number has increased to 16,500 as handguns will also be bought for the Royal Canadian Air Force and military police, Lamirande noted.

The firearms will be modular, meaning they can be reconfigured for various roles. Attachments such as improved targeting systems can also be installed on the guns.

“The procurement will also include options to support future requirements of additional modular pistols, but the precise number has not yet been confirmed as it will depend on requirements,” Lamirande explained. “The total procurement is expected to be up to 20,000 modular pistols.”

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadian-military-to-receive-new-pistols-bids-to-be-requested-in-february

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