Ukraine’s state-owned defense conglomerate, Ukroboronprom, is advancing its licensed assembly of Czech-made CZ BREN 2 assault rifles, with plans to begin full-scale domestic production in the coming months.
The assembly process, initiated in November 2024, involves partial component manufacturing and the gradual transfer of technology from Czech arms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka. “This is already working. The first step is assembly and production of small parts. The next step is full production, meaning transfer of complete technology to Ukraine,” Radek Hauerland, external relations manager for Česká zbrojovka, told Czech News Agency ČTK.
While a timeline for complete production has not been finalized, Hauerland said, “It’s impossible to say exactly. You have to go step by step, from simpler things to more complex ones.” He added that once operational, the Ukrainian facility could produce tens of thousands of rifles annually.
The CZ BREN 2 is already in service with the Ukrainian military, as well as the armed forces of the Czech Republic, Portugal, France’s National Gendarmerie, Poland’s border service, and Romania’s gendarmerie.
The localization of CZ BREN 2 production was highlighted during a March 2025 visit by Czech President Petr Pavel to a Ukrainian assembly facility. Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industry, Herman Smetanin, reported that the visit showcased the first CZ BREN 2 rifles assembled in Ukraine and included discussions on expanding cooperation with the Czech defense sector.
“The Ukrainian defense industry has significant capabilities, and we are ready to expand cooperation up to the full localization of rifle production in Ukraine, including its components,” Smetanin said.
The licensed production agreement was signed between Ukroboronprom and Česká zbrojovka in early 2024. The collaboration also involves Sellier & Bellot, a Czech ammunition manufacturer that is part of the Colt CZ Group, which includes Česká zbrojovka.
Hauerland acknowledged that full-scale rifle manufacturing is a complex undertaking requiring specialized technology but expressed confidence that Ukraine’s facilities would achieve it. “A licensed facility in Ukraine could begin manufacturing complete rifles within a few months,” he said.
The broader partnership with Czech industry includes technical and logistical support to ensure that Ukraine can eventually produce not just the rifles but also the necessary ammunition domestically. Colt CZ Group, which owns Česká zbrojovka and Sellier & Bellot, has expanded its global footprint in recent years, with operations in Czechia, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Hungary, employing more than 3,600 people.
