The first batch of Heckler&Koch SFP9 SF Paddle Pistols was delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces on March 29. The weapons are received according to a contract concluded last year by the Defence Materiel Agency under the Ministry of National Defence and German manufacturer Heckler&Koch.
“These German-made Heckler&Koch pistols bring a new quality leap to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, as we aim to equip Lithuanian troops with up-to-date and advanced weaponry,” says Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška. The specific make of pistol was chosen to match the Lithuanian Armed Forces requirements.
The entire contracted amount of handguns will be delivered this summer and assigned to various unit across the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The contract also allows for additional pistol acquisition and covers personnel training.
The decision to procure new pistols was taken to unify the calibre used in the Lithuanian Armed Forces, specifically, to 9×19 mm, and put the replaced obsolete weapons into the reserve.
SF P9 SF Paddle pistols of the German manufacturer Heckler&Koch were selected from 13 models, including by live tests under different conditions – different types of firing ranges, tactical field, close quarters training building.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces is currently equipped with Austrian-made GLOCK 17, US-made COLT 1911, and Czech-made ČZ75 that are nearing their expiry date in large part.
MoD archive
