SIG Sauer Responds After Air Force Pauses M18 Use

The U.S. Air Force has temporarily suspended use of the SIG Sauer M18 Modular Handgun System after the reported accidental shooting death of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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According to New Hampshire Public Radio, an Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the pause is “directly related” to the airman’s death, which occurred Sunday, July 21.

A statement posted to the base’s website acknowledged the loss but provided few details, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to notify next of kin.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our Mighty Ninety team,” Col. Terry Holmes, a commander at the base, told NHPR.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the Airman’s family, friends, and his fellow Defenders during this incredibly difficult time.”

In a memo issued the same day, Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) ordered all units to immediately pause use of the M18 handgun for both operational and training activities.

The pause will remain in effect until AFOSI (Air Force Office of Special Investigations) and Safety investigations are complete.

During the stand-down, all personnel who would normally carry the M18 will instead be issued M4 rifles.

AFGSC has also ordered 100% inspections of all wing-assigned M18s and is working with the Air Force Security Forces Center to conduct a comprehensive review and establish a corrective timeline.

SIG Sauer, the manufacturer of the M18, released a public statement expressing condolences and confirming its full cooperation with the military:

“Our hearts are with the service members and families impacted by the recent reported event at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base,” the company said. “We proactively offered assistance to the U.S. Military as they investigate the incident and remain willing to help in furtherance of their ongoing inquiry.”

“We have absolute confidence in the Military’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation and are working with the Air Force and Army to answer any of their questions.”

The M18, a compact variant of the M17, was selected under the U.S. military’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) program to replace the Beretta M9. It has been widely adopted across all service branches since its introduction.

This incident places the MHS program—and SIG Sauer’s flagship military pistol—under increased scrutiny. While the exact circumstances of the discharge remain under investigation, the outcome could influence military policy on handgun safety and procurement.

As of now, the Air Force has not publicly confirmed whether the pistol malfunctioned or whether the discharge was due to user error. The pause will remain in effect until safety measures are reviewed and confirmed.

This is a developing story.

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