Switzerland has officially chosen the SIG Sauer P320 as the new standard service pistol for its armed forces, marking a significant upgrade from the longstanding SIG P220, also known as Pistol 75, which has been in use since the 1970s. This decision comes under the New Generation sidearm program, which was executed in collaboration with the Swiss Defence Procurement Office.
The selection of the P320 aligns with the nation’s defense acquisition goals, emphasizing the importance of involving domestic industry in the procurement process. SIG Sauer, based in New Hampshire but with a presence in Switzerland through its office in Schaffhausen, has committed to establishing local production. This move is expected to enhance security capabilities while bolstering supply chains in line with Bern’s federal armament strategy.
The decision was made following a comprehensive small arms competition which involved rigorous technical testing, field evaluations, and assessments centered around safety and logistics. The evaluation process culminated in trials that took place in 2024, where the P320, Glock’s G45 Gen 5, and Heckler & Koch’s SFP9 were the finalists.
Despite the G45 meeting all mandatory technical specifications, the P320 was chosen due to an overarching analysis of arms policy and economic factors. The review highlighted several “substantial advantages” of the SIG model, most notably its projected lower life-cycle costs over a span of 30 years.
While the P320 required modifications to enhance comfort and durability, these adjustments were authorized and guaranteed by the manufacturer, ensuring reliability for the Swiss military’s needs.
In total, approximately 140,000 P320 pistols are expected to be procured, starting with an initial order of 50,000 units. The allocated budget for this project includes a significant financial investment to cover associated equipment such as holsters, training materials, and non-firing dummy handguns, further solidifying the commitment to modernizing the Swiss military’s personal weaponry.
