In a significant move to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, Ukrainian Defense Industry has partnered with Česká zbrojovka a.s., a subsidiary of Colt CZ Group SE, signing an Agreement of Intent for the license transfer. This agreement will enable the Ukrainian company to assemble NATO standard rifles, specifically the CZ BREN 2 model, in Ukraine.

At the center of this initiative is the CZ BREN 2 rifle, renowned for its deployment by various military and law enforcement customers worldwide, including the Army of the Czech Republic, Ukrainian Armed Forces, French National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN), Portuguese Army, Polish Border Guard, Romanian Gendarmerie and other professional customers. The project's goal is to equip the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a proven, high-quality standard NATO firearm, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Herman Smetanin, CEO of Ukrainian Defense Industry, highlighted the importance of this agreement: “The technology transfer from NATO member states marks a pivotal moment for our company, driven by successful international cooperation and ongoing defense reforms. This initiative is a crucial step towards establishing an Arsenal of the Free World within Ukraine.”

“We are honored to support Ukraine’s efforts to adopt NATO standard equipment and increase the capability of its defense industry. This first step towards of full-scale transfer of technology project for the CZ BREN 2 rifle is a direct consequence of its successful deployment on the battlefield in Ukraine by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” underlined Jan Zajíc, CEO of Česká zbrojovka.

This ambitious transfer of technology project of the CZ BREN 2 rifles in Ukraine was showcased as a key initiative at the First International Defense Industry Forum (DFNC1) in Kyiv. The forum, held at the end of September 2023, was a collaborative effort by the Ukrainian Ministry of Strategic Industries, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, drawing participation from 252 companies across more than 30 countries.