USAF Purchases B&T APC9K PRO Submachine Guns

by
posted on December 15, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bt-apc9kpro-1.jpg
Brugger & Thomet Inc., a Swiss based company with its U.S. subsidiary located in Tampa, Fla., announced that the United States Air Force has decided to purchase its B&T APC9K PRO submachine gun platform. This compact submachine gun platform, at less than 15" in length, is optimized for discrete carry and deployment. The Small size of the APC9K PRO makes it an idea select-fire personal defense weapon for use in confined spaces.

Chambered in 9 mm, the APC9K PRO is a more compact version of the B&T APC9 PRO line. It uses a hydraulic buffer system to reduced felt recoil and muzzle rise when fired. The design also incorporates dual folding, non-reciprocating, ambidextrous charging handles on both sides of the upper receiver just beneath the top Picatinny rail.  Other features include a bolt catch and release on both sides of the lower receiver, M4 / AR-15 style interchangeable grip and M-LOK compatible slots on the short forend.

The Magazine release and safety selector on the APC9K PRO are also ambidextrous and easy to reach from both sides. There is also a folding stock incorporated into the design for stability that folds right up against the back of the receivers to keep the folded length as short as possible. The APC9K PRO can be equipped to accept either B&T, SIG P320 or Glock compatible 9 mm magazines by swapping out the non-serialized lower receiver group.

The small size of the APC9K PRO is ideal for specialized service in the United States Air Force where room is limited inside the tight confines of aircraft and vehicle crew spaces. The U.S.A.F. is the second branch in the U.S. military to adopt the APC9K PRO, after the U.S. Army adopted it last year. The U.S.A.F. plans to acquire roughly 350 to 1000 of these new compact submachine guns to likely phase out the aging H&K MP5 in use by personal security details. 

Latest

pistol being pulled out of front jeans pocket
pistol being pulled out of front jeans pocket

The Role of the Pocket Pistol

A backup gun deserves your best effort and attention. Here’s why.

The Future Of American Rifleman

Greetings! As you are no doubt aware based on the cover wrap of this issue and your January edition, big changes are afoot at NRA. American Rifleman will now publish a quarterly print magazine and a monthly digital edition.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Prices On Rifles, Ammo, Optics & Suppressors Dropped In 2025, According To Retail Report

The average price enthusiasts paid for ammunition, rifles, optics and suppressors dropped in 2025, according to a recently released RetailBI Report.

Preview: A-Zoom Snap Caps Instructor Pack

Firearm safety is a primary concern for all gun owners, which is a substantial part of what your NRA strives to ingrain into the shooting public, and products like Snap Caps help make this training both easier and safer.

Review: Yugoslavian Zastava M70 .32 ACP Pistol

This tough little all-steel semi-automatic from AIM Surplus is an enjoyable option for military surplus pistol fans.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.