German Armed Forces Advances Sidearm Modernisation with POL-TEC’s P13 Service Pistol
Germany’s Bundeswehr is transitioning to a new standard service pistol, designated P13, procured through German supplier POL-TEC and based on the Czech-built CZ P-10 C OR platform. The move replaces the long-serving P8 and aligns small arms with current military requirements.
The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) is rolling out a new standard-issue service pistol under the designation P13, with deliveries being managed by Germany’s POL-TEC GmbH & Co. KG in cooperation with Czech manufacturer Česká zbrojovka (CZ). The pistol is rooted in the established CZ P-10 C OR (Optics Ready) design and reflects a significant small-arms modernisation effort for military sidearms.
POL-TEC showcased the P13 at the Enforce Tac 2026 trade fair in Nuremberg, drawing attention to the weapon’s ergonomics, modularity and integrated optical-sight readiness. The platform aims to meet contemporary military requirements by supporting mission-tailored configurations without sacrificing reliability or handling under diverse operational conditions.
The P13 replaces the ageing HK P8, which has been the Bundeswehr’s standard sidearm since its introduction in the early 1990s. Adoption of a new pistol follows an open procurement process in which the CZ-based design prevailed against bids from other international manufacturers.
Under a framework agreement with the German government, POL-TEC is responsible for supply, support services and integration, including training and logistics. Initial orders focus on tens of thousands of units, with options to expand deliveries along with associated holsters, training weapons and accessories.
The selection of the P13 aligns with broader Bundeswehr efforts to update small-arms inventories and ensure interoperability within alliance standards. The optic-ready configuration also supports modern aiming and target acquisition systems increasingly prevalent in NATO forces.
