Ukroboronprom to Assemble NATO-Standard Czech BREN 2 Assault Rifles in Ukraine

Ukraine's state-owned Ukroboronprom has announced plans to assemble Czech BREN 2 assault rifles at its facilities.

The Minister of Strategic Industries, Oleksandr Kamyshin, reported that the joint-stock company "Ukrainian Defense Industry" has reached an agreement with the Czech company Česká zbrojovka for the transfer of the license. According to Kamyshin, this agreement will enable the assembly of NATO-standard rifles, specifically the CZ BREN 2 model, in Ukraine.

The CZ BREN 2 is currently utilized by military formations and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the Army of the Czech Republic, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Task Force of the French National Gendarmerie (GIGN), the Portuguese Army, the Polish Border Guard, and the Romanian Gendarmerie.

Herman Smetanin, the General Director of Ukroboronprom, highlighted the significance of technology transfer from NATO member countries for their company.

The technology transfer project for the CZ BREN 2 rifle is seen as a crucial step, following its successful deployment by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in actual combat situations.

The technology transfer project was presented as a key initiative at the First International Forum of Defense Industries (DFNC1) in Kyiv at the end of September 2023. The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic had previously announced that the production of these firearms in Ukrainian facilities would be a flagship project of Ukrainian-Czech cooperation.

The assault rifles, produced by the Česká zbrojovka company, will bear the Sich brand when manufactured in Ukraine. Additionally, the Czechs will assist Ukrainians in setting up an ammunition production line, a project that will be implemented by Sellier & Bellot.

The CZ BREN 2 submachine gun, introduced in 2015 and adopted by the Czech Republic's army in 2017, features automatic gas removal with a short stroke of the gas piston and a locking shutter. Notably, the quick-change barrel allows for adjustment of length and caliber, with the barrel made of aluminum alloy and the trigger box, pistol grip, and magazine receiver made of plastic.