Ukraine’s Ukroboronprom is already assembling Czech CZ BREN 2 rifles under license, with partial component production ongoing. The company could begin manufacturing complete rifles within a few months, a representative of Czech arms manufacturer Česká zbrojovka told ČTK, Radio Prague, reports.

Ukroboronprom began licensed assembly in 2024

The Ukrainian state-owned defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom announced in November 2024 that it had begun licensed assembly of the Czech assault rifles. At that time, it was already noted that the aim was to eventually transition from simple assembly to full local production, Radio Prague says.

Assembly ongoing, full production ahead

Currently, Ukraine is carrying out licensed assembly of CZ BREN 2 rifles and has already established local manufacturing of select components. Radek Hauerland, external relations manager for Česká zbrojovka, stated:

“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.”

He added that full production is a highly complex process, requiring specialized technology. However, a licensed facility in Ukraine could begin manufacturing complete rifles within a few months.

“It’s impossible to say exactly. You have to go step by step, from simpler things to more complex ones,” Hauerland said.

According to him, the Ukrainian enterprise could handle production volumes of tens of thousands of rifles per year.

Part of a broader arms partnership with Czech industry

Česká zbrojovka is part of Czechia-based Colt CZ Group, which also includes Sellier & Bellot, a manufacturer of ammunition for small arms. Sellier & Bellot has signed an agreement to produce several types of its ammunition at a new cartridge plant in Ukraine, using technology provided by the Czech side. Colt, a well-known American firearms’ manufacturer, became part of the Czech group several years ago.