[Discussion] Bundeswehr Picks CZ P-10 C OR as P13 to Replace P8A1

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Bundeswehr Selects New Standard Service Pistol

Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZ) has announced that the German Armed Forces, the Bundeswehr, have selected the CZ P‑10 C OR as their new standard service pistol, designated P13. The selection follows an open international tender and marks the replacement of the P8A1, the Heckler & Koch USP that has been in German service since 1994. CZ described the decision as a major milestone for the company, reflecting its expansion within military procurement programs.

P13 Configuration and Technical Overview

The P13 is based on the CZ P‑10 C Optics‑Ready model. It is a striker‑fired pistol using a short‑recoil, tilting‑barrel operating system and is chambered in 9×19 mm. Standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds. The pistol features a 102 mm (4‑inch) barrel, an overall length of 187 mm (7.4 inches), and an unloaded weight of approximately 740 g (26 oz). The Bundeswehr variant will be finished in Flat Dark Earth and supplied with a slide cut for mounting optical sights.

Service History and Competing Designs

Introduced in 2017, the CZ P‑10 C has already been adopted by the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, which selected the pistol for service in 2020. During the German tender process, the P‑10 C OR reportedly competed against submissions from other major manufacturers, including Glock and Slovenia’s Arex. The Bundeswehr has not yet announced whether the P13 will be issued with a red‑dot optic as standard equipment, nor has it disclosed any specific sight model under consideration.

Manufacturing, Delivery, and Support

According to CZ CEO Jan Zajic, all pistols for the Bundeswehr will be produced at CZ’s manufacturing facility in Uherský Brod, Czech Republic. The facility operates under military‑grade quality and compliance standards and supports production for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers. While domestic German production was not a requirement of the tender, CZ will cooperate with its authorized German partner, POL‑TEC GmbH & Co., to support contract fulfillment, logistics, and ongoing service requirements.

Significance for CZ and German Procurement

CZ was awarded the contract after prevailing in an international competition, reinforcing its position within the European defense market. Company leadership emphasized that the P13 pistols will be manufactured and tested in accordance with Bundeswehr specifications. The adoption represents a generational update to Germany’s standard sidearm and underscores the Bundeswehr’s shift toward modern striker‑fired, optics‑ready handgun platforms for future service use.

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