Canberra (Agencies): The Australian Army has begun deploying a new suite of close combat weapons as part of its Land 300 project, aimed at upgrading individual soldier capabilities, the Department of Defence (DoD) confirmed on 3 April.
According to the DoD, the deliveries include fighting knives, sniper systems, and compact personal defence rifles, along with the F9 pistol system, which forms the backbone of the close-combat upgrade.
The F9 pistol is a customized variant of the SIG Sauer 9mm P320 X-Carry Pro, equipped with a red dot sight, torch, and holster, and is delivered as a complete system. The package also includes a non-lethal training kit and integration with the Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS) to enhance training effectiveness.
Deliveries began in December 2024, with 300 F9 pistols and accompanying support systems sent to Australian Defence Force (ADF) training facilities. Units of the 7th Brigade and those stationed at Gallipoli Barracks in Queensland were among the first to receive the new pistols.
The Australian agent for SIG Sauer, Aquaterro, is handling the pistol distribution, while the fighting knives were locally designed and produced by ZU Bladeworx, a Queensland-based defense manufacturer.
The government’s selection of the P320 X-Carry Pro was announced in October 2023 under its broader close combat weapons enhancement initiative. The P320 family is known for its modular design, polymer frame, and striker-fired mechanism, and can be chambered in several calibres including 9×19 mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
This rollout marks a significant step in modernizing Australia’s front-line combat gear, ensuring its forces are equipped with the latest in precision weaponry, durability, and training support systems.