Air Force Halts Use of Sig Sauer M18 Pistols After Airman’s Death
In response to the tragic death of an airman on July 20 at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, the Air Force Global Strike Command has suspended the use of Sig Sauer M18 pistols. The deceased was an active-duty member stationed with the 90th Security Forces Squadron, as confirmed by the 90th Missile Wing. Details surrounding the airman’s identity and the specific circumstances of the death remain undisclosed at this time.
The suspension of the M18 pistols is a precautionary measure while the Air Force Office of Special Investigations carries out a thorough probe into the incident, alongside a detailed safety review of the firearm involved.
An internal memo issued on July 21, which has since been verified, directed the immediate cessation of the M18 for both operational and training purposes, substituting it temporarily with the M-4 rifle. The same memo mandated a comprehensive inspection of all M18 weapons systems across the Wing by Combat Arms staff.
AFGSC spokesperson Charles Hoffman confirmed the authenticity of the memo and explained that the temporary removal of the M18 pistols from service is a cautious step to guarantee the safety and security of military personnel, as reported by Task & Purpose.
Background and Controversy Surrounding the Sig Sauer P320
The M18 is one of the two variants of the Sig Sauer P320 handgun, the other being the M17, which have been in use as standard sidearms across all U.S. military branches since 2017. Over the years, the P320 model has faced multiple accusations related to unintended discharges and alleged design flaws, which Sig Sauer has consistently denied.
Sig Sauer has staunchly defended the P320, asserting on March 7 that the model cannot fire without a trigger pull, dismissing the claims as attempts by some to seek profit or shirk personal responsibility.
Despite the manufacturer’s defense, the P320 has been the subject of several lawsuits and has been withdrawn from use by various law enforcement bodies, including the Dallas and Milwaukee Police Departments as well as the Philadelphia transit police.
Moreover, the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission has explicitly banned the use of the P320 in its training facilities for law enforcement officers across the state.
Most recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) decided to phase out all models of the Sig Sauer P320 and replace them with the GLOCK 19 MOS, according to a memo dated July 9. This memo emphasized the urgency of acquiring alternative sidearms for ICE agents as swiftly as possible.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
