Earlier this month, the New Zealand Defence Force announced their current SIG Sauer P226 service pistol is to be replaced with the “new generation” (likely GEN 4) Glock 17 pistol. The pistols will be introduced into service across the New Zealand Navy, Army, and Air Force in the second half of 2016.
Lieutenant Colonel Dean Paul of the Land Capability Delivery Branch had this to say about the adoption of the Glock 17 pistol:
“Ensuring we remain a force equipped to succeed means supplying our people with fit-for-purpose personal protection weapons. This is part of our 2020 strategy for enhanced combat capability and we are pleased to be rolling out the new pistols next year.”
Australian company NIOA Nominees Pty Ltd was awarded the $1.8 million contract to supply approximately 1900 Glock 17s to the NZDF. The contract includes the pistols, along with ancillaries and through-life support.
This follows the announcement earlier in the year that the NZDF is replacing the Steyr AUG rifle currently in service with a Lewis Machine & Tool AR-15 pattern rifle. The particular model of rifle has yet to be announced.
Source: www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/media-releases/2015/20151125-nzdftgngp
