CZ itself describes this as “one of the most significant milestones in its history”: the German Army (Bundeswehr) has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard sidearm. More specifically, the pistols designated as P13 for the Bundeswehr are based on the 9mm CZ P-10 C OR (Optics-Ready) compact model, featuring a Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finish. The CZ P-10 C OR will replace the P8 A1, based on the Heckler & Koch USP (Universal Self-loading Pistol) handgun, adopted by the Germans in 1994. Before the Bundeswehr, the Czech armed forces had adopted the P-10 C model in 2020.
The actual selection was completed last July, and this is just the official announcement. CZ was awarded the contract following an open international tender, prevailing over several global competitors, and will work closely with its authorized partner in Germany, POL-TEC GmbH & Co., to fulfill the contract and provide comprehensive support to the Bundeswehr. All the pistols for the German Bundeswehr will be manufactured in the Czech Republic.
The “global competitors” mentioned included the Slovenian-made Arex Delta and Austrian GLOCK. Cost was the decisive factor in the selection process: according to the media, no trials or tests were conducted and the German Army only verified that the pistol met the Bundeswehr’s requirements after reviewing the technical documentation.
Even if CZ's official press release doesn't mention quantities or values, still according to some sources, up to 186,000 new pistol sets will be delivered under a seven-year framework agreement, with 62,000 guaranteed. Each set will include a 9mm pistol and an holster. Procurement budget is 25 million euro.
P13, aka CZ P-10 C OR
To learn more about the CZ P-10 C OR you can read the article we published some time ago. In a nutshell, it is a modern 9mm polymer-framed, striker-fired gun based on the proven Browning tilting barrel system and designed according to current industrial standards for combat pistols. Interchangeable backstraps ensure fine ergonomics even for large hands. Barrel length is 4”/102 mm. The pistol has a 15-round magazine capacity, weighs 746 g and comes factory with tritium sights.
“We are honored that the German Bundeswehr has chosen CZ as its partner. Our success in this rearmament tender is one of the most significant achievements in CZ’s modern history. It clearly confirms the outstanding reputation our firearms have earned through active deployment in real combat conditions. We look forward to a long-term cooperation with the Bundeswehr and to fulfilling all its requirements in line with the contract,” said Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of CZ.
For more information please visit the CZ website.
