The U.S. Air Force has paused the use of the SIG Sauer M18 pistol across all installations following the death of a security forces airman at a base in Wyoming. The M18, a variant of the P320, is standard issue for many service members and manufactured by SIG Sauer in Newington, New Hampshire. The temporary suspension was announced by the Air Force Global Strike Command, which stated that all M18 pistols will undergo immediate safety inspections. Although specific details of the incident have not been released, the move comes amid a growing number of lawsuits against SIG Sauer. Plaintiffs claim unintentional discharges have occurred without the trigger being pulledallegations the manufacturer denies, citing user error. According to SIG Sauer, the M18 is functionally equivalent to the P320, a striker-fired pistol that has been at the center of multiple civil complaints. The Air Force has not confirmed whether the recent incident involved a mechanical failure, but it has launched a comprehensive investigation. The safety review coincides with legal developments in New Hampshire, where the company is headquartered. A recently passed state law, designed to make it more difficult to sue firearm manufacturers, was discussed this week in federal court. The judge has yet to rule on a motion to dismiss or relocate the cases involving 22 plaintiffs from 16 states. In response to the Air Forces move, SIG Sauer has reiterated the safety of its products. A spokesperson noted that the company continues to work with military clients to ensure all issued firearms meet stringent standards. This incident has reignited discussions around striker-fired pistol safety and the protocols for firearm testing in military applications. Until further notice, combat arms units have been instructed to halt use of the M18 and inspect all issued pistols for potential defects.