Ceska Zbrojovka CZ 806 Bren 2 assault rifle. (Ceska Zbrojovka)
Ukraine's state-owned Ukroboronprom has begun assembly of the Czech-designed Colt CZ Bren 2 Assault Rifle.
Ukroboronprom displayed a Bren 2, the second of three generations of the Bren series of assault rifles chambered in 5.56×45 mm calibre as the agreement was announced on 13 December. While the weapon displayed has a full length 357 mm barrel in a 5.56×45 mm chambering, the Bren 2 assault rifle is available in a variety of barrel lengths, configurations, and calibres; 5.56×45 mm, 7.62×51 mm, and 7.62×39 mm.
On 20 December Ceska Zbrojovka A S (part of Colt CZ Group) told Janes that the Ukraine assembly “is progressing successfully, and the CZ Bren 2 has become an integral part of Ukraine's armed forces”. This agreement follows a technology transfer contract of 16 July to prepare CZ Bren 2 production inside Ukraine.
Unlike many of the legacy AK-M assault rifles already in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), the Bren 2 has a monolithic upper receiver and a series of NATO-standard accessory rails allowing for modern optical and electro-optical sighting devices to be securely fitted.
Ammunition adaptability
The Bren 2's modularity allows troops to be issued assault rifles for either NATO standard 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm ammunition, or more commonly domestically produced 7.62×39 mm.
The rifle can be assembled in a wide variety of configurations from a full length 7.62×51 mm battle rifle to a short-barrelled telescoped stock 7.62×39 mm personal defence weapon (PDW).
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
