Over 16,000 Beretta submachine guns from the Navy are up for auction: decommissioned from the arsenals, they are now looking for a buyer
Procedure initiated by the Defence Industries Agency
Over 16,000 9-millimetre calibre machine guns, without magazines, which are now out of service and have been decommissioned by the Italian Navy, are being put up for auction as part of a process initiated by the Defence Industries Agency. Thetender was published on 25 June.
This is the Mab, an acronym for ‘Beretta Automatic Musket’. It is a famous series of ‘submachine guns’ designed by Tullio Marengoni and produced by the historic Beretta arms factory from 1938 onwards. The 16,165 submachine guns are currently stored in the arsenals at La Spezia (8,404), Taranto (7,512) and Augusta (249). Bids may be submitted by 10.00 on 27 July 2026.
Submissions must be made exclusively via the ASP platform of Acquisti in Rete Pa. The tender and any documentation relating to the procedure must be submitted exclusively via the platform.
The tender and supporting documentation must be signed using a digital signature, a qualified electronic signature or an advanced electronic signature. According to the tender notice, the automatic muskets “will be awarded to the company submitting the best open tender, subject to approval by the Italian Navy”. No insurance cover is provided.
Who can buy them
This consultation is open exclusively to operators holding the prefectural licence provided for in Article 28 of the Consolidated Act on Public Security, relating to the manufacture or sale of military weapons. Foreign operators must hold an equivalent licence, issued in accordance with the legislation of their country of origin. Before submitting a tender, interested operators may, by prior appointment, carry out an on-site inspection at the three sites where the MABs are stored.
