Australia receives first F9 SWS 9mm semi-automatic pistols to strengthen close-quarter lethality.

On April 4, 2025, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) began fielding the new F9 Sidearm Weapon System (SWS), a modular 9mm pistol system based on the SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro platform. The F9 replaces the long-serving 9mm Browning Mk3 pistol and is part of a broader modernization effort under the LAND 300 Lethality System Program (formerly known as LAND 159). This initiative, valued at over AUD 500 million, includes the acquisition of new small arms, training tools, and support systems to enhance the ADF’s deployable capabilities. The F9 system integrates a range of components and training elements and is being distributed to Army, Navy, and Air Force units.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The F9 replaces the long-serving 9mm Browning Mk3 pistol and is part of a broader modernization effort under the LAND 300 Lethality System Program (formerly known as LAND 159), valued at over AUD 500 million. (Picture source: ADF)

Based on the SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro, a semi-automatic, striker-fired pistol, the F9 SWS incorporates a Romeo 2 red dot sight, Foxtrot 2 white light torch, holster, and retractable lanyard. Additional elements of the system include a simulation pistol for the Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS), a paint-marking round conversion kit, and a red-colored weighted replica for use in the Army Combatives Program (ACP). The pistol features ambidextrous controls and is designed for modular integration with optical systems. The F9’s selection followed testing conducted by NIOA and the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), with initial delivery occurring at the Army’s School of Infantry in December 2024. The first operational rollout took place in February 2025 with Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks-based 7th Brigade.

The system is supplied by NIOA Group, a Queensland-based company that acts as the prime contractor for LAND 300 Tranche 1. NIOA sources components from five Australian suppliers, including Victoria-based Aquaterro and Platatac. The company provides armourer familiarisation, technical support, and training validation based on previously conducted training needs analysis. NIOA personnel are responsible for direct delivery to user units. According to NIOA Australia-New Zealand CEO Ben James, the rollout coordination with CASG was completed ahead of schedule. Planning is ongoing to equip units across the ADF by December 2025, with the full rollout expected to continue through 2026.

Training on the F9 system has been adapted to reflect a system-wide instructional approach. Conversion training incorporates web-based ADELE lessons, dry drills, WTSS simulation, and live-fire exercises. The process integrates combat mindset, shooting techniques, and qualification standards across all system components. This training replaces the previous static qualification standard that required only 10 rounds to be fired. Instructors and trainees are now required to meet grouping and alignment criteria across multiple distances. A train-the-trainer course conducted in March 2025 at RAAF Base Amberley qualified personnel from the 7th Brigade and the Royal Australian Air Force’s Combat Support Group. Warrant Officer Class Two Mark Biviano of the Combined Arms Training Centre stated that users are issued a complete system and use all of its components during instruction. Air Force Warrant Officer Brett Moy, who participated in the March training, described the current qualification as performance-based, requiring demonstrated application of technical skills. Moy also noted that WTSS enables progressive instruction before the live-fire stage, reinforcing technical handling procedures and marksmanship fundamentals.

Based on the SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro, a semi-automatic, striker-fired pistol, the F9 SWS incorporates a Romeo 2 red dot sight, Foxtrot 2 white light torch, holster, and retractable lanyard. (Picture source: ADF)

The LAND 300 program includes additional weapon systems beyond the F9. These include the SIG Sauer MCX in .300 Blackout as the Personal Defence Weapon System, the Benelli M3A1 as the Combat Shotgun System, the Accuracy International AX-SR multi-calibre rifle as the Long-Range Sniper Capability, and the Barrett M107A1 rifle as the Anti-Material Sniper Capability. The program also includes the ZU Bladeworx Double-Edged Fighting Knife, made from a solid billet of A2 steel and selected for the Hand-to-Hand Fighting System. The Sniper Surveillance Capability features the Safran JIM Compact multispectral surveillance device and Steiner laser range-finding binoculars. Under the terms of the LAND 159 Tranche 1 contract signed in September 2022, NIOA is responsible for the acquisition, integration, delivery, and ongoing support of all new small arms. The agreement includes optical and laser systems, suppressors, torches, and munitions. The project’s objective is to improve readiness and capability through the provision of new-generation weapons supported by Australian industry.

The SIG Sauer P320 is a modular, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol introduced in 2014 by SIG Sauer, Inc. (the US subsidiary of the German company Sig Sauer) as a successor to the hammer-fired P250. It is designed with a removable stainless-steel fire control unit (FCU), enabling the user to interchange grip modules, slide assemblies, and barrels to create full-size, carry, compact, or subcompact configurations. The pistol supports multiple calibres including 9×19mm Parabellum, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 10mm Auto. Magazine options include capacities of 10, 14, 17, 21, and 32 rounds, depending on the calibre and configuration. The P320 operates using a short recoil, locked-breech mechanism and features ambidextrous slide catch levers and a reversible magazine release. Its effective range is 25 meters, with a maximum range of up to 50 meters. Some variants include modular slide cuts for optical reflex sights and optional night sights. The P320 was selected by the United States Armed Forces in 2017 as the winner of the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition and is fielded as the M17 (full-size) and M18 (compact). It is used by multiple military and police organizations worldwide, including the armed forces or police services of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway, and Ukraine, among others.

The SIG Sauer P320 X-Carry Pro is a variant within the P320 X Series designed for modularity and compatibility with optical sights and tactical accessories. It features a 3.9-inch (99.06 mm) carbon steel barrel, a stainless-steel slide finished with Nitron DLC coating, and a grip module known as the XCarry Medium, made of polymer with laser-engraved LXG texturing. The pistol includes a flat-faced, skeletonized trigger finished in TiN gold, a striker-fired action, and an accessory rail (M1913 standard) for mounting external devices. It is optic-ready with slide cuts compatible with Romeo 1PRO, Romeo 2, RMR, and other standard footprints. Sighting components include XRAY3 day/night sights. The model ships with either two 17-round or two 10-round steel magazines and has an overall length of 188 mm, a width of 36 mm, a height of 140 mm, and a weight of 765 grams. Apart from Australia, other operators include the Danish Armed Forces and Norwegian Police Service, as well as law enforcement agencies in the United States.