4 April 2025
With the new F9 sidearm weapon system (F9 SWS) in hand, personnel have begun pulling the trigger on a new chapter in close combat.
The system is based on the SIG Sauer 9mm P320 X-Carry Pro, featuring a red-dot sight, torch and holster.
It replaces the legacy 9mm Browning Mk3 pistol and is also supported by non-lethal training kit and Defence’s Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS).
Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Mark Biviano, of the Combined Arms Training Centre, said it was more than just a pistol.
“The first thing you notice is that you are employing a system as opposed to simply a weapon,” WO2 Biviano said.
“You receive all of the components of the system, and then you use all the components throughout your lessons.”
Rollout of the F9 began last year and will continue through to 2026 under Project Land 300.
For Army, rollout started this year at 7th Brigade and will continue throughout 2025.
“It’s not just a weapon upgrade – it’s a complete shift in how we build deployable capability,” WO2 Biviano said.
The system is provided by Queensland-based NIOA Group, supported by Victorian suppliers Aquaterro and Platatac.
'The first thing you notice is that you are employing a system as opposed to simply a weapon.'
The F9 is part of equipment being acquired under Land 300, which includes fighting knives, new sniper rifles and sniper surveillance system.
F9 training includes web-based ADELE lessons, hands-on drills, WTSS and train the battle shot live fire – integrating combat mindset, shooting techniques and qualifications on all equipment in one course.
Students must demonstrate accuracy and weapon handling across multiple distances, replacing the outdated “10 rounds and done” approach.
In early March, a week-long train-the-trainer course was held at Amberley, where participants learned to qualify others on the F9 SWS.
One of those was Air Force Warrant Officer Brett Moy, Combat Support Group lead for the F9 rollout and training to RAAF, who said it was hands-on, practical and empowering.
“You don’t just fire 10 rounds and tick a box anymore – you’ve got to display through application you can apply the skills required to achieve the grouping and alignment standards,” Warrant Officer Moy said.
The WTSS is now a key part of the training, allowing participants to progress through theory, drills and simulation before live-fire.
“There is a lot of application and reinforcement before you actually go on to the range,” Warrant Officer Moy said.
