Ukraine has started the licensed assembly of Czech BREN 2 assault rifles.

The Ukrainian Defense Industry (UDI) reported that the assembly began in November.

The process is a part of ongoing cooperation with Česká zbrojovka, a subsidiary of the Czech-based Colt CZ Group.

The agreement with Česká zbrojovka, which provides for the localization of assembly and subsequent full production of NATO-standard assault rifles in Ukraine, was signed on July 16, 2024.

The partnership with Česká zbrojovka will help to improve the supply of modern small arms to the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

“Another step towards the integration of our defense industry into the industrial chains of NATO countries has been made,” said UDI Director General Oleg Gulyak.

CZ BREN 2 is used by military formations and law enforcement agencies around the world.

The CZ BREN 2 assault rifle technology transfer project was presented in Ukraine as a key initiative at the First International Defense Industries Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv.

In 2023, the Czech Ministry of Defense announced that the deployment of this firearm at Ukrainian facilities would become one of the “flagship” projects of Ukrainian-Czech cooperation.

The assault rifles manufactured by Česká zbrojovka will be produced in Ukraine under the Sich brand.

In addition, the Czechs will help Ukrainians set up an ammunition production line. This project will be implemented by Sellier & Bellot.

CZ BREN-2 was first shown in 2015. In 2017, it was adopted by the Czech Army.