New Era in Australian Army Firepower Begins with Rollout of F9 Sidearm

Australian Army soldiers have begun transitioning to a next-generation sidearm, marking a significant advancement under the LAND 300 Lethality System Program. The Brisbane-based 7th Brigade is the first operational unit to be issued the new Sidearm Weapon System (SWS), following a successful testing and evaluation program.

The new system features the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, enhanced with a Romeo 2 red dot sight, integrated white light torch, holster, and a retractable lanyard. It replaces the long-serving Browning Mk3 pistol, with the new firearm now designated as the F9 pistol within Army service.

Complementing the F9 is a suite of training and simulation tools, including a simulation pistol compatible with the Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS), a paint marking round conversion kit, and a red-coloured weighted replica for use in the Army Combative Program.

The components of the new sidearm system are sourced from a range of Australian suppliers, with the prime contractor successfully integrating and delivering the capability as a fully certified mission system ahead of schedule. The initial rollout to the Army School of Infantry in late 2024 enabled the broader distribution to operational units beginning in early 2025.

Conversion training is now under way, involving a combination of classroom instruction, dry drills, simulation-based training, and live-fire exercises. Specialist support personnel were embedded during the initial fielding to deliver armourer familiarisation and ensure training outcomes aligned with previously established requirements.

The distribution process has been coordinated between Defence and industry partners, with equipment delivered directly to units in the field. The rollout is being hailed as a major success, with planning already in motion to equip units across the country. The majority of Army units are expected to receive the new F9 pistols by the end of the year.