Beretta PMX

Lore & Background

Development of the Beretta PMX began around 2015–2016, with rumors of a new submachine gun model circulating before its presentation at the Milipol exhibition in Paris in 2017. The PMX is a closed bolt and blowback operated weapon made from engineering plastic and aluminum, sharing design features with the Intratec TEC-9 and the Beretta M12. A semi-automatic only version for the civilian market is sold as the PMX-S.

The PMX has an ambidextrous three-position manual safety with selective fire (semi-automatic and full auto), adjustable folding sights, and MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails for mounting various accessories and aiming devices. Its total empty weight is 2.4 kg, and it is 640 mm long with the folding stock extended (418 mm with the stock folded). It is fed by a 30-round magazine and fires at a rate of 900 rounds per minute.

Users include Indonesia (Special Force), Italy (Carabinieri, which ordered more than 5,000 PMXs starting in 2018 after experimentation in some operational departments, with the future intention of modernizing the entire individual weapons arsenal), Malaysia (at least 47 ordered as of February 2023 for Elite Forces), Saudi Arabia (3,500 PMXs contracted in March 2022 for the Saudi Royal Guard Regiment), and Singapore (Naval Diving Unit, replacing the Heckler & Koch MP5 since 2025).

Reader's Guide

The Beretta PMX represents a modern update to Beretta's submachine gun lineage, directly succeeding the M12 in service with Italian law enforcement. Its adoption by multiple countries—including a large order from the Italian Carabinieri and contracts from Saudi Arabia and Malaysia—indicates its role as a contemporary military and police weapon. The PMX's design incorporates features common to earlier firearms like the TEC-9 and M12, but updates them with a lightweight polymer and aluminum construction, Picatinny rails for accessories, and ambidextrous controls. The weapon's closed bolt and blowback operation, combined with a 900 rounds per minute rate of fire, place it within the standard performance envelope for 9mm submachine guns. Its use by specialized units such as Indonesia's Special Force, Malaysia's Elite Forces, and Singapore's Naval Diving Unit highlights its acceptance in niche tactical roles. The civilian PMX-S variant extends the platform to the commercial market. Overall, the PMX has established itself as a current-generation submachine gun for both domestic and export customers, replacing older designs in several inventories.

Did You Know?

• The Beretta PMX was presented at the Milipol exhibition in Paris in 2017.
• It is intended to replace the Beretta M12 as an ordnance weapon of some law enforcement in Italy.
• The PMX has a semi-automatic only civilian version called the PMX-S.
• As of February 2023, at least 47 Beretta PMXs were ordered for the Elite Forces of Malaysia.