CZ? Czech! Company Grabs $205 million Czech Army Contract
The Prague-based Colt CZ Group announced this week it had signed a new agreement with the Czech Ministry of Defense running through 2031.
The 4.26 billion kroner ($205 million) contract covers BREN 2 rifles, P-10 C pistols, GL 40mm grenade launchers, and a wide range of accessories, including optics, spare parts, armorer kits, holsters, and cases. It expands on a relationship that goes back to 2011, when the Czech Army began replacing its Cold War-classic vz. 58 rifle with the original CZ 805 BREN.
“Our firearms have long proven their reliability and quality in real combat conditions,” said Jan Zajíc, CEO of CZ. “We utilize this experience to make continuous improvements and develop new generations of our products.”
As noted by the Czech defense minister’s office, the news of the CZ contract comes amid a multi-year 510 billion kroner modernization effort that includes not only small arms but also 24 F-35A Lightning fighters from the U.S., 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks from Germany, 250 Pandur EVO 8x8s from Finland, and 246 Swedish CV90 infantry fighting vehicles.
A member of NATO since 1999, joining the same year as former Warsaw Pact allies Poland and Hungary, the country is nervously boosting defense spending amid concerns of an aggressive Russia to the East.