The Lithuanian Armed Forces have selected the Heckler & Koch SFP9 SF Paddle pistol as the new sidearm for the country’s troops.
The decision to purchase new pistols was made in order to move from using different calibre pistols to the use of uniform calibre 9×19 mm pistol ammunition.
According to the defense ministry, the contract value totals about 1.57 million euros, and includes options for the purchase of additional pistols if necessary. The new pistols are to be delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces by the end of 2021.
Heckler & Koch’s SFP9 SF Paddle was selected over 12 other options as the most suitable for the needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, following a range of testing procedures.
The SFP9 will be replacing the Austrian Glock 17, American Colt 1911, and Czech ČZ75 pistols, most of which are already running out of resources. The SFP9 borrows the magazine and ergonomics concept of the P30. It also features interchangeable back straps and grip shells to provide a total of 27 individual grip shape combinations.
The pistol contract is not the first time Lithuania is choosing Heckler & Koch as the preferred weapon supplier. The company has previously supplied G36 assault rifles and the 40mm HK269 grenade launchers to the Lithuanian Army.
