Air Force Halts Use of M18 Handguns After Security Forces Airman's Death at F.E. Warren AFB

On July 20, 2025, an active-duty Security Forces airman assigned to the 90th Security Forces Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming died on base while on duty in the early morning hours. The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has since issued an immediate pause on the use of the 9mm Sig Sauer M18 Modular Handgun System, effective July 21, 2025, until further notice.

The identity of the deceased airman and specific circumstances of the death have not been disclosed. In response, AFGSC spokesperson Charles Hoffman confirmed the halt on M18 pistols to ensure personnel safety and security pending comprehensive investigations by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and AFGSC Safety office.

The M18 is a compact variant of the Sig Sauer P320 series, a firearm series that has faced scrutiny due to allegations of unintentional discharges. An FBI report from August 2024, requested by Michigan State Police and publicly released recently, investigated an incident where an M18 pistol fired uncommanded while holstered, noting that it might be possible under certain conditions despite no independent evidence conclusively proving it.

AFGSC has ordered Security Forces Airmen to temporarily use the M4 carbine rifle as a replacement during the investigation. Security Forces Combat Arms personnel across all AFGSC bases will conduct 100 inspections of the M18 handguns to detect any immediate safety issues. The command is also collaborating with related Air Force entities to thoroughly review the M18 and establish appropriate corrective measures.

General Thomas Bussiere, commander of AFGSC, issued a memo on July 21, 2025, confirming the M18 suspension and endorsing the temporary adoption of the M4 rifle to maintain security readiness.

Sig Sauer has publicly contested the allegations of the P320 series firing without trigger pull in a March 2025 news release, stating, "The P320 CANNOT, under any circumstances, discharge without a trigger pull — that is a fact." This statement continues amid ongoing legal scrutiny and media coverage.

In summary, following a fatal incident involving a Security Forces airman at F.E. Warren AFB on July 20, 2025, AFGSC paused the use of M18 handguns effective the next day. The pause remains until detailed investigations conclude, with alternate weaponry issued in the interim and inspections ongoing to ensure safety.