Austrian gun maker Glock, Inc. is protesting the U.S. Army's selection of the SIG Sauer P320 as the winner of its new XM 17 Modular Handgun System (XM17 MHS) competition last month.

Glock filed the protest on Feb. 24 with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The protest will delay the MHS Program until June 5 when GAO is expected to rule on the protest, according to GAO.

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On Jan. 19, the Army awarded SIG Sauer, which is based in Germany, a contract worth up to $580 million produce a modified version of its Full Size SIG Sauer P320 semi-automatic 9 mm pistol as the Army's new service pistol.

The 10-year agreement calls for SIG to supply the Army with full-size and compact versions of its 9 mm pistol. The pistols can be outfitted with suppressors and can accommodate standard and extended capacity magazines.

Glock was widely expected to protest the decision considering the huge contract amount.

The pistol to be developed by SIG Sauer will become the Army's new XM17/M17 pistol. The Army has asked SIG to make certain modifications to the sidearm.

SIG Sauer defeated Glock, FN America and Beretta USA, maker of the current M9 9 mm service pistol, in the MHS competition. In 1985, the Beretta M9 beat the SIG P226 to become the Army's service pistol.

"We are both humbled and proud that the P320 was selected by the U.S. Army as its weapon of choice," said Ron Cohen, SIG Sauer CEO, upon learning of the award.

"Securing this contract is a testimony to SIG Sauer employees, their commitment to innovation, quality and manufacturing the most reliable firearms in the world."

SIG Sauer has a U.S. subsidiary, SIG Sauer of Exeter, New Hampshire.

The Army launched its XM17 MHS competition in late August 2015 to replace the M9 pistol. The decision formally ended the Beretta's 30-year hold on the Army's sidearm market.

TagsGlock, Inc., U.S. Army, SIG Sauer P320, XM 17 Modular Handgun System, Government Accountability Office, XM17/M17 pistol