German Army adopts CZ P13 9mm pistol as new Bundeswehr standard sidearm.

The German Army has selected the CZ P13 pistol as its new standard service sidearm, replacing the long-serving P8 across the Bundeswehr. The decision marks a major procurement shift for Germany and a historic export win for Czech firearms manufacturer Ceska zbrojovka a.s.

Czech Company Ceska zbrojovka a.s. announced on December 19, 2025, that the German Army has formally chosen the CZ P13 9mm pistol as its next standard issue handgun, closing a highly competitive international tender and setting the stage for the gradual retirement of the P8 pistol currently in Bundeswehr service. According to company statements, the selection follows extensive technical evaluations and operational testing, underscoring Germany’s focus on modernization, interoperability, and long-term sustainment for its individual soldier equipment.
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The Czech-made CZ P13 9x19 mm pistol, derived from the CZ P-10 C Optics Ready platform, has been selected as the new standard sidearm of the German Army. (Picture source: CZ)

The Bundeswehr's (German Army) adoption of the CZ P13 signals the end of an era for the P8, a 9x19 mm pistol derived from the Heckler and Koch USP and introduced into German service in the late 1990s. While the P8 has provided decades of reliable service, Bundeswehr assessments in recent years highlighted limitations linked to its size, ergonomics, and lack of native compatibility with modern accessories such as reflex optics. The move toward a new pistol reflects the German Army’s broader effort to modernize individual soldier equipment in line with contemporary operational requirements and NATO trends.

For CZ, the award represents a strategic breakthrough within the European and NATO defense market. Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of CZ, described the Bundeswehr’s decision as a defining moment for the company, emphasizing that CZ pistols have earned their reputation through active deployment in demanding combat environments. He stressed that the contract is viewed not as a single-delivery program but as the foundation of a long-term partnership with the German armed forces, focused on performance, reliability, and sustained support throughout the full service life of the weapon.

Within the Bundeswehr, the new sidearm will be designated P13 and chambered in 9x19 mm Parabellum, ensuring full interoperability with existing German and allied ammunition stocks. The P13 is based on the CZ P10 C OR platform, a modern striker-fired pistol developed specifically for military and law enforcement users. The German variant features a Flat Dark Earth finish aligned with current Bundeswehr camouflage and equipment standards, and incorporates configuration elements tailored to national safety and durability requirements.

Technically, the CZ P13 combines compact dimensions with full service performance. Its lightweight polymer frame reduces overall carry weight compared to the all-metal P8, an important advantage for soldiers already burdened with heavy equipment. The steel slide and cold-hammer-forged barrel are designed for high round counts and resistance to extreme temperatures, dust, mud, and moisture. The striker-fired operating system provides a consistent trigger pull for every shot, simplifying training and improving effectiveness under stress. Integrated passive safeties, including trigger, firing pin, and drop safeties, ensure a high level of operational safety without the need for external manual controls.

The P13 feeds from a high-capacity magazine, offering greater on-hand firepower than the P8, whose magazine capacity reflected design standards of an earlier generation. Ergonomics were a decisive factor during Bundeswehr trials, with the P13 featuring a natural grip angle, aggressive grip texturing, and interchangeable backstraps to accommodate different hand sizes. Fully ambidextrous controls allow effective use by both right- and left-handed soldiers, including when wearing gloves or operating in low-visibility conditions. A low bore axis reduces muzzle rise, enabling faster follow-up shots and improved controllability during rapid engagements.

One of the most significant advances over the current P8 is the P13’s optics-ready slide, which allows the direct mounting of reflex sights without extensive modification. This capability reflects the Bundeswehr’s intention to future-proof its handgun inventory as optical aiming solutions become increasingly common, particularly for specialized and forward-deployed units. An integrated accessory rail also allows the mounting of weapon lights and other accessories, enhancing effectiveness in urban and low-light combat environments.

CZ will execute the contract in close cooperation with its authorized German partner, POL TEC GmbH and Co., which is responsible for in-country delivery, training support, maintenance, and long-term sustainment. This partnership is expected to ensure robust logistics, spare parts availability, and high readiness rates across Bundeswehr units transitioning from the P8 to the new P13.

At the strategic level, the replacement of the P8 with the CZ P13 underscores Germany’s accelerating rearmament and its emphasis on equipping soldiers with modern, combat-proven systems aligned with NATO standards. For CZ, becoming the standard sidearm supplier to the German Army significantly strengthens its standing among top-tier military manufacturers and confirms its position as a trusted provider of modern service pistols for leading armed forces.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.