Czech defense manufacturer Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod (CZUB) has been selected by Germany to deliver replacement service pistols for the nation’s armed forces. The contract centers on the P13 handgun, chambered in 9×19mm, which will succeed the current standard-issue Heckler & Koch P8.
The Czech company prevailed over competitors Arex from Slovenia and Glock from Austria, with pricing considerations heavily influencing the final decision, German news source Hartpunkt reports. Notably, the selection process proceeded without conducting live ammunition tests or practical evaluations, the publication noted.
A draft contract valued at 25 million euros ($29.2 million) is being prepared by Berlin for legislative approval before the fall season. The potential seven-year arrangement would see CZUB produce up to 186,000 P13 units for German forces.
In tactical applications, the pistol achieves an effective engagement distance of about 50 meters (164 feet). The German Federal Armed Forces Office outlined in its December 2024 project initiation that the accompanying carrying gear must support secure weapon transport while adapting to diverse carrying methods. Holsters themselves are excluded from this procurement, instead utilizing a predetermined mounting interface compatible with the acquired carrying systems.
