On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the German defense industry portal Hartpunkt, citing several well-informed sources, reported that the Czech company Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) may have won the tender for P13 pistols for the Bundeswehr, which will replace the currently used P8 (Heckler & Koch USP) as the standard service sidearm since 1994.
Currently used P8 pistols / Photo: Bundeswehr
The tender procedure in this matter was launched on November 4, 2024, by the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw – Bundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr). The application deadline passed on January 15 of this year at 1:00 PM. The sole selection criterion was price (100%).
This 7-year framework contract covers the supply of up to 186,000 sets of semi-automatic pistols, codenamed P13, chambered in 9×19 mm. The first implementation contract is planned for 62,000 sets. Slovenian company Arex, Czech CZ, and Austrian Glock submitted the offers.
According to Hartpunkt, a funding request worth 25 million EUR is currently being prepared, which is expected to be submitted to the German Parliament’s Budget Committee (Haushaltsausschuss) for approval before autumn.
MILMAG Analysis
Under the QS P13 program (Pistole querschnittlich), the German armed forces are seeking striker-fired, semi-automatic pistols chambered in 9mm PARA, fed from magazines with a minimum capacity of 15 rounds. The pistols are required to feature internal safeties, including a firing pin block.
According to the specifications, the firearm must have a barrel with an external thread (M13.5×1) to allow for the attachment of muzzle devices, including suppressors. Additionally, the pistol’s slide must be compatible with micro red dot sights (Optics Ready, OR). The firearm is also required to have a universal mounting rail (Picatinny/MIL-STD-1913 standard) under the barrel at the front of the frame. This setup allows for the attachment of flashlights or laser aiming devices. The pistol must function reliably in harsh climatic conditions, including high salinity environments. It should also be resistant to contamination (even without regular cleaning) and protected against accidental discharge if dropped.
The pistol package is to include the following gear: a modular, rigid holster compatible with MOLLE/PALS systems, allowing the weapon to be carried with both a red dot sight and a suppressor attached. The holster must also include a retention system to prevent accidental withdrawal (or falling out) of the pistol. Additionally, the set is to include magazine pouches and the necessary accessories for mounting on gear. The entire system must be suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
P-10C pistol with an extended magazine and tactical light, used by Border Guard officers / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski
Based on the above, we can expect that Česká Zbrojovka offered striker-fired pistols from the P-10 family. They are chambered in 9×19 mm, featuring a polymer frame and a partially pre-cocked trigger mechanism without external manual safeties, with a trigger equipped with a safety lever. The weapon, in its compact version (P-10C), is fed from a 15-round magazine (with the option to swap the baseplate and increase capacity to 17 rounds). Currently, the Czech manufacturer also offers full-size versions of the pistol. The firearm is compatible with the mounting of red dot sights and tactical lights (CZ Introduces the new CZ P-10C PORTED Model).