First Ukraine-assembled CZ BREN 2s Roll Out
An effort between the Ukrainian defense industry and CZ has yielded results as the first Ukraine-assembled Bren 2 rifles are being delivered.
Ukroboronprom, the state-owned Ukrainian defense production organ, announced on Dec. 14 that one of its enterprises had last month begun the licensed assembly of Bren 2 rifles in the country. The partnership between Colt CZ and Ukroboronprom was agreed upon in July, allowing local assembly of components shipped from CZ, leading to eventual full-rate production.
Since 2022, the country has been fielding Czech-made Brens, notably among special operations units and legions of foreign volunteers.
The Ukraine military, since it was formed in 1991, has traditionally used Warsaw Pact pattern small arms (left) to include multiple AK-47/74 variants in 7.62×39 and 5.45×39, while some units, such as the Rubizh Brigade in the top right, are issued assorted M4 platforms in 5.56. The CZ Bren 2, seen in use with Ukraine marines at the bottom right, is a newer addition. (Photos: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine)