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UkrOboronProm Launches Licensed Assembly of Czech CZ Bren 2 Rifles in Ukraine.
On December 13, 2024, the Ukrainian state-owned enterprise UkrOboronProm officially announced the start of licensed assembly of CZ Bren 2 rifles in Ukraine. This marks a significant step in Ukraine's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign arms supplies. The assembly, which began in November 2024, is being carried out in partnership with the Czech company Česká zbrojovka a.s. (CZUB), a renowned firearms manufacturer based in Uherský Brod, Czech Republic. CZUB is a subsidiary of the Czech multinational group Colt CZ Group SE.
The CZ Bren 2 rifle is a modern and reliable assault rifle. (Picture source: CZ)
The locally assembled CZ Bren 2 rifles in Ukraine are being produced under strict quality control measures to ensure they meet the high standards established by CZUB. As part of this collaboration, Czech experts from Česká zbrojovka have trained UkrOboronProm personnel to ensure the assembly process adheres to the required standards of this advanced weapon system. This partnership represents a deepening of defense industry ties between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, with both countries working together to address Ukraine's immediate and long-term defense needs.
The ultimate goal of this project is to transfer the full production of CZ Bren 2 rifles to Ukraine. In the future, these rifles will be manufactured locally under the Ukrainian name "Sich," reflecting the country's growing self-sufficiency in weapon production. This shift to local production is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to strengthen its national defense industry while fostering partnerships with international defense companies.
The agreement for licensed assembly and the eventual full production of CZ Bren 2 rifles was formalized in a memorandum signed by UkrOboronProm and CZUB in July 2023. Additionally, a separate memorandum was signed with Sellier & Bellot, a Czech ammunition manufacturer, now also part of the CZ Colt Group. This agreement focuses on transferring ammunition production to Ukrainian territory, further enhancing Ukraine's self-sufficiency in critical defense materials.
The CZ Bren 2 rifle, a modern and reliable assault rifle, has been a crucial component of Ukraine's defense since the early days of the ongoing conflict. Thousands of these rifles are currently deployed across the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including in elite units under the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR MO). The rifle is highly regarded for its reliability, ease of use, and modern design, making it a popular choice among Ukrainian soldiers.
The decision to locally assemble and eventually produce the CZ Bren 2 rifle in Ukraine not only reflects a strategic move to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry but also represents a significant step toward ensuring the continuous availability of modern and effective weaponry for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The collaboration with Česká zbrojovka and Sellier & Bellot is part of a broader effort to modernize Ukraine's military and ensure it remains well-equipped to face persistent threats.
With the transfer of production capabilities to Ukrainian soil, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will gain greater control over the supply and maintenance of the CZ Bren 2 rifles, ensuring that they continue to serve as a reliable asset in the defense of Ukraine for years to come.