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The U.S. Air Drive has briefly suspended use of the SIG Sauer M18 Modular Handgun System after the reported unintended taking pictures dying of an airman at F.E. Warren Air Drive Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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— SIG SAUER (@sigsauerinc) July 23, 2025
In keeping with New Hampshire Public Radio, an Air Drive spokesperson confirmed that the pause is “instantly associated” to the airman’s dying, which occurred Sunday, July 21.
A press release posted to the bottom’s web site acknowledged the loss however offered few particulars, citing the continuing investigation and the necessity to notify subsequent of kin.
“We’re deeply saddened by the lack of a valued member of our Mighty Ninety crew,” Col. Terry Holmes, a commander on the base, advised NHPR.
“Our ideas and heartfelt condolences are with the Airman’s household, buddies, and his fellow Defenders throughout this extremely troublesome time.”
Air Drive Points Command-Extensive M18 Stand-Down
BREAKING – The USAF has launched an investigation into the SIG Sauer M18 after a desk sergeant positioned his holstered pistol on a desk, the place it discharged and fatally struck him within the chest, prompting Air Drive International Strike Command to pause all M18 use. pic.twitter.com/m9oa0sI7o4
— Proper Angle Information Community (@Rightanglenews) July 22, 2025
In a memo issued the identical day, Air Drive International Strike Command (AFGSC) ordered all models to instantly pause use of the M18 handgun for each operational and coaching actions.
The pause will stay in impact till AFOSI (Air Drive Workplace of Particular Investigations) and Security investigations are full.
In the course of the stand-down, all personnel who would usually carry the M18 will as a substitute be issued M4 rifles.
AFGSC has additionally ordered 100% inspections of all wing-assigned M18s and is working with the Air Drive Safety Forces Middle to conduct a complete evaluation and set up a corrective timeline.
SIG Sauer Presents Help
SIG Sauer, the producer of the M18, launched a public assertion expressing condolences and confirming its full cooperation with the navy:
“Our hearts are with the service members and households impacted by the current reported occasion on the F.E. Warren Air Drive Base,” the corporate mentioned. “We proactively provided help to the U.S. Army as they examine the incident and stay prepared to assist in furtherance of their ongoing inquiry.”
“We’ve absolute confidence within the Army’s capacity to conduct a radical investigation and are working with the Air Drive and Military to reply any of their questions.”
A Crucial Second for the M18 Program
The M18, a compact variant of the M17, was chosen beneath the U.S. navy’s Modular Handgun System (MHS) program to interchange the Beretta M9. It has been broadly adopted throughout all service branches since its introduction.
This incident locations the MHS program—and SIG Sauer’s flagship navy pistol—beneath elevated scrutiny. Whereas the precise circumstances of the discharge stay beneath investigation, the end result may affect navy coverage on handgun security and procurement.
As of now, the Air Drive has not publicly confirmed whether or not the pistol malfunctioned or whether or not the discharge was on account of person error. The pause will stay in impact till security measures are reviewed and confirmed.
It is a growing story.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the sort of man who’d slightly monitor whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s received a pointy eye for recognizing each stable gear and dangerous gun legal guidelines. Whether or not he’s deep within the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is method to firearms, looking, and the nice American custom of self-reliance. If there’s a sizzling debate on gun rights or the most recent in looking tech, you’ll be able to guess Larry’s received an opinion—and it’s in all probability backed up with each info and subject expertise.
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