Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. has been awarded a contract for the procurement of the new Modular Handgun Holsters, said in the statement by the U.S. Department of Defense on 30 July.

Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. was awarded a USD49 million contract for the Modular Handgun Holster to be used with the Modular Handgun System M17 and M18 pistols.

The new Modular Handgun Holster for M17 and M18 pistols will include various options for mounting so soldiers can tailor their load.  The new holster features a dual locking system that can be released with the shooter’s firing hand thumb.

The M17 and M18 or Modular Handgun System is the Army’s newest handgun currently being fielded to Soldiers. The M17 (full size) and M18 (compact) replaces the M9 pistol, the standard Army sidearm since 1986.

The Modular Handgun System handgun is a variant of the SIG SAUER P320 pistol and is equipped with an external safety, an integrated MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for the attachment of light and laser systems, self-illuminating night sights to maintain combat effectiveness in all lighting conditions, and is capable of accepting a sound suppressor.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, bids were solicited via the Internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 29, 2023.