Military personnel are to be issued with new generation Glock 17 pistols to replace the Sig Sauer models currently in use.

The new pistols will be introduced into service across the Navy, Army, and Air Force in the second half of 2016.

The new generation Glock 17 pistol. Photo: Supplied.

Lieutenant Colonel Dean Paul of the Land Capability Delivery Branch says the Sig Sauer P226 pistols were introduced into service in 1992 and were due to be replaced.

'Ensuring we remain a force equipped to succeed means supplying our people with fit-for-purpose personal protection weapons.

'This is part of our 2020 strategy for enhanced combat capability and we are pleased to be rolling out the new pistols next year.”

Australian company NIOA Nominees Pty Ltd has been awarded the $1.8 million contract to supply the NZDF with about 1900 of the new pistols.

The contract includes the pistols, ancillaries and through-life support.