SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 – Department of the Air Force officials released the final results yesterday of a directed supplemental safety inspection to verify the operational readiness of the M18 Modular Handgun System.
The inspection results, detailed in a final report dated January 23, 2026, confirmed the M18 remains safe and reliable for service security missions.
The M18 MHS supplemental inspection was initiated July 23, 2025, as a precautionary action based on an allegation that a service M18 potentially suffered an “uncommanded discharge,” during an incident at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, in July 2025.
Air Force Global Strike Command initially paused the use of the M18 MHS to conduct a command-wide inspection, which found no indication of weapon discharge attributable to malfunction.
The DAF directed the service-wide supplemental inspection of the M18 MHS to validate the serviceability of the weapons and reinforce confidence in their use.
The inspection required a 100 percent examination of “in-use” weapons. As of January 23, 2026, 96%, of in-use M18 pistols had been inspected. The remaining weapons will be inspected during routine inspection intervals.
The final report indicates 100% of inspected weapons exhibited no signs of any condition that could have caused the weapons to experience an “uncommanded discharge.”
The Air Force Small Arms Program Office has incorporated the Department of the Air Force M18 MHS inspection criteria as a supplement to the standard Department of the United States Army technical manual to reassure confidence in its performance.
The Department of the Air Force remains committed to the safety of its personnel and the readiness of its equipment.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs