Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Air Force Suspends M18 Pistol Following Airman Death at Nuclear Missile Base
An airman died while working at a US Air Force base in Wyoming that houses nuclear missiles.
After this, the Air Force temporarily stopped using the Sig Sauer M18 pistol because they are worried about safety.
The Air Force is investigating whether the pistol had anything to do with the airman's death.
This model of pistol has been criticized before, with some people saying it can accidentally fire.
The Air Force is replacing the pistols with rifles for now to keep everyone safe while they figure out what happened.
An Air Force airman died at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming while guarding nuclear missiles.
The Air Force suspended the use of the Sig Sauer M18 pistol following the airman's death.
The M18 pistol, the military's standard sidearm since 2017, is under investigation regarding its safety.
The incident prompted an Air Force Global Strike Command memo mandating inspections and temporary replacement of M18s with rifles.
The M18 has faced previous scrutiny due to alleged accidental discharges and agency bans.
- Who
- An active-duty airman from the 90th Security Forces Squadron.
- What
- The Air Force suspended the M18 pistol after an airman's death.
- When
- The airman died on July 20, 2025, leading to the suspension memo on July 21.
- Where
- F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
- Why
- Due to safety concerns and an investigation into the airman's death; a leaked memo cited safety.
Sig Sauer's Position
Law Enforcement and Military Concerns
Design Reliability
Sig Sauer's Position
P320 design flaws claims are profit-driven.
Law Enforcement and Military Concerns
Growing distrust among law enforcement and military regarding the M18.
- Base Location
- F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
- Weapon
- Sig Sauer M18 pistol
- Airman's Unit
- 90th Security Forces Squadron
- Incident Date
- July 20, 2025
- Memo Date
- July 21
- Reason for Suspension
- Safety Concerns