Joint-Stock Company «Ukrainian Defense Industry» announced that it has begun assembling Czech CZ Bren 2 assault rifles. This is a continuation of cooperation with the company Česká zbrojovka, which involves the localization of assembly, and later the full production of NATO-standard rifles in Ukraine.
Joint-Stock Company «Ukrainian Defense Industry» announced that it has begun assembling Czech CZ Bren 2 assault rifles. This is a continuation of cooperation with the company Česká zbrojovka, which involves the localization of assembly, and later the full production of NATO-standard rifles in Ukraine.
As «Military» reported, the agreement was concluded on July 16, and licensed assembly began in November.
«Partnership with Czech colleagues will help to improve the provision of the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces in reliable and modern small arms produced in our country. In addition, another step has been taken towards the integration of our defense-industrial complex into the industrial chains of NATO countries,» said Oleg Hulyak, General Director of Ukroboronprom.
The National Guard of Ukraine noted that the Sich assault rifle, which is a licensed copy of the CZ Bren 2, has been manufactured in Ukraine since last year, and is being actively developed at the National Guard.
The Bren and its variant, the Bren 2, are new-generation assault rifles that Western gunsmiths call the Next Generation Service Rifle. This definition includes modern rifle systems based on the AR, AK, hybrid systems, or proprietary automation systems.
A feature of all versions of the CZ Bren was that it was created as a modular weapon, which by replacing the barrel and magazine well insert allowed switching from 5,56×45 mm to 7,62×39 mm or vice versa. Due to its visual similarity to the FN SCAR-L, this rifle is often called the «Czech SCAR». They are also related by the use of automation on a gas-operated scheme with a short piston stroke.
Bren 2 is an updated version that was shown in 2015. It received significantly improved ergonomics and functionality. The rifle was created taking into account the wishes of Czech servicemen — the weight was reduced by 0.5 kilograms, the platoon mechanism was redesigned. The procedure for servicing the machine gun mechanism was also significantly simplified.
The new Bren 2 can use three types of barrels — 207 mm (8 inches) for 5,56×45 mm, 227 mm (9 inches) for 7,62×39 mm, 280 mm (11 inches) and 357 mm (14 inches).
On gun store websites, the cost of the CZ Bren 2 in various modifications varies from about $1,500 to $2,000.
In the Czech Republic, the Bren 2 is in service with army and police units. In Indonesia and Mexico, the machine gun is used mainly by police special forces, and in France, by the GIGN special gendarmerie unit.
The Ukrainian military began using the first Bren 2 in the spring of 2022. They noted its endurance in harsh operating conditions and a low level of operational problems.
