On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, during Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal’s visit to the Czech Republic, Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC (formerly UkrOboronProm) signed agreements worth 6.5 million USD with Česká zbrojovka (CZ) and Sellier & Bellot (part of Colt CZ Group) to initiate local production of weapons and ammunition.
Bren 2 / Photo: Česká zbrojovka
Sellier & Bellot and UDI have agreed to cooperate in the production of various types of small-caliber ammunition, including 5.56 mm x 45 NATO ammunition, on the territory of Ukraine. This partnership aims to increase local production capacity and ensure a steady supply of essential ammunition for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Additionally, Česká zbrojovka, based on the Agreement of Intent signed with UDI on February 23, 2024, has finalized a contract for the transfer of technology and know-how. This agreement will enable the local production of CZ Bren 2 rifles chambered in 5.56 mm x 45 (with the possibility of conversion to 5.45 mm x 39 and 7.62 mm x 39 ammunition). The Czech side will provide a 3-year support period for the supply of components and production machinery.
The first information about the start of negotiations on the launch of Czech arms production in Ukraine emerged on September 29, 2023, during the International Defence Industries Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv.
The production of assault rifles by Česká zbrojovka is a key element of this cooperation. As one of the leading firearm manufacturers, CZ’s involvement in technology transfer and the construction of production lines in Ukraine will significantly enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in defense production. This initiative will create jobs, develop local expertise, and ensure reliable supplies of modern weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Bren 2 is a modular assault rifle, currently the standard armament of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic. Offered in several configurations, it is the successor to the CZ 805 rifle. This weapon has been seen in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers (as well as various volunteer formations) since the beginning of the full-scale war. It has appeared alongside other NATO small arms, such as the FN SCAR-L, MSBS Grot, M4A1, M16A4, C7, C8, and various versions of the HK416.
The 🇺🇦🇨🇿 consultations in Prague ended with the signing of a number of important documents in the areas of joint arms production, medicine, energy cooperation and the exchange of experience. We outlined the contours of our strategic alliance in a joint statement. These are the… pic.twitter.com/j2jGy3WW1l
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) July 16, 2024
Přivítal jsem v Praze ukrajinského premiéra @Denys_Shmyhal na společném jednání vlád Česka a Ukrajiny.
Vedle obranné spolupráce jsme řešili energetiku, český export a další zapojení českých firem v obnově Ukrajiny. pic.twitter.com/o2cxq5lPas
— Petr Fiala (@P_Fiala) July 16, 2024