The new inter-service standard-issue sidearm P13 of the German Federal Armed Forces has successfully completed the integrated proof of capability. This has determined that the weapon meets the requirements for its intended military deployment. The first serial units are to be delivered to the troops in the coming months.
With the P13, the Bundeswehr replaces its 1994-introduced service pistol P8. The basis of the new weapon is the CZ P-10 C OR from the Czech manufacturer Česká zbrojovka (CZ), delivered to the Bundeswehr in the Flat Dark Earth color. The contractor is POL-TEC GmbH & Co. KG as CZ’s German distributor.
P13: More than just a new pistol
The P13 is a striker-fired pistol in 9 x 19 mm caliber. The “C” in the manufacturer’s designation stands for “Compact,” while “OR” stands for “Optical Ready.” The weapon is thus prepared to accept corresponding optical sights. The P13 measures 187 x 32 x 132 millimeters and weighs 760 grams with an empty magazine. The barrel length is 102 millimeters, and the magazine holds 15 rounds.
The new service pistol is designed consistently to meet military requirements. The striker-fired system provides a uniform trigger pull throughout the entire firing cycle. In addition, according to the BAAINBw, it offers high durability even under extreme conditions, ergonomic design, and a modular construction that allows the pistol to be adapted to different mission profiles.
The P13 is not to be confused with the newly introduced P14 or P14k as well. While the P14/P14k, based on the Walther PDP, function as an “System Pistol for Special Forces” and are intended to replace older pistol models among units such as the Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK), Kommando Spezialkräfte der Marine (KSM), long-range reconnaissance troops (Fernspähern) and trailblazers (Feldjägern), the P13 is intended as the inter-service standard pistol of the Bundeswehr.
However, not only the weapon itself is procured. The P13 system also includes holsters from the Italian manufacturer Radar 1957 at security levels Level 2 and Level 3 as well as training weapons. These components are also supplied by Pol-Tec. The company furthermore assumes logistical support for the P13 during use.
Drop Tests for the New Service Pistol
Before serial delivery could begin, the P13 had to undergo the integrated proof of capability. This combines the contractor’s performance demonstrations, the verification of the performance values, and the combat/test deployment. The aim is, among other things, to determine whether a product is suitable for its intended use and whether it meets the contractual requirements.
For weapons and ammunition, such investigations fall within the remit of the Weapons Technology Office 91 (WTD 91) in Meppen. There weapons and weapon systems are investigated, tested, and evaluated, as well as integrated proofs of capability conducted within the framework of project-related needs assessment and utilization.
For the P13, for example, the safety elements of the weapon were also examined within the framework of the proof of capability. “Part of these examinations were also drop tests,” explains Nina K., project leader at the BAAINBw. “In all situations, the safety elements fulfilled their function completely. With the P13, the Bundeswehr receives a modern and reliable weapon that brings the troops up to the current state of technology.”
Thus, a crucial step before the introduction of the new service pistol has been completed. On the basis of the results of the integrated proof of capability, the BAAINBw grants approval for its use in defense projects, and only then can the actual introduction into the troop begin.
The necessary budgetary funds for the “Inter-service Pistol” project were approved by the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag only on November 5, 2025, which meant that the proof of capability and the finalization of the design state were achieved in less than twelve months. For a Bundeswehr procurement, this is a very rapid process, which project manager Nina K. also acknowledges: “This success was only possible thanks to the good and constructive collaboration of all project participants.”
CZ for the P8 successor
In selecting the P8 successor, CZ prevailed over other competitors. Recently, alongside Colt CZ Group, Arex Defense and Glock were in the running for the new inter-service standard pistol.
But this is history, because with the completed proof of capability the serial delivery can now begin. Thus, after more than three decades, the generation change for the Bundeswehr’s inter-service standard pistol is imminent.
Author: Dorothee Frank, Online Editor-in-Chief
