Braxton Taylor
Germany’s Bundeswehr—the nation’s armed forces—has selected a pair of Walther PDP (Performance Duty Pistol) variants for issue to its elite special forces. The award-winning handgun was introduced in 2021, bringing with it a higher magazine capacity than the company’s already popular PPQ model, along with other enhancements.
In those three short years the PDP has gained a reputation for performance and reliability, assets that provided traction among law enforcement departments in the United States. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania State Police in February and the Florida Department of Agriculture selected the gun for duty use in 2023.
Terms of the Bundeswehr contract include Walther supplying Germany’s Marine Special Forces, Command Special Forces and Special Forces of its Military Police with two variants for the next seven years. Up to 3,300 compact models—designated the P14K—can be purchased along with another 3,200 standard versions, the P14, under its terms. The agreement includes accessories and an additional 1,500 pistols for training purposes.
“We’re incredibly proud that the Bundeswehr chose our flagship PDP pistol to arm the German Special Forces,” said Walther CEO Bernhard Knöbel. “Ensuring our brave soldiers have the very best equipment as they risk their lives for Germany, is our top priority.”
The 9 mm-chambered PDP variants will replace the Glock G17s and Heckler & Koch P30s previously fielded by the elite units. The decision was announced after nearly 12 months of rigorous testing. The new pistols wear muzzle brakes, which can be removed for suppressor mounting, higher iron sights to accommodate their uses and an Aimpoint ACRO red-dot sight.
PDP advantages available, including on the commercial market, include an optics-ready slide with SuperTerran serrations for improved purchase in foul weather or when wearing gloves. The modular pistol features the company’s Performance Duty Trigger, an accessory rail, polygonal rifling and more.
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