Ukraine begins production of Czech carbines

Ukroboronprom has proudly revealed the initiation of licensed assembly of the CZ-806 BREN-2 carbines in November 2024, following an agreement signed on 16th July 2024. This marks the initial phase, with plans for the entire production process to eventually be relocated to Ukraine. The carbines will be branded as "Sicz" in Ukraine.

This collaboration is unsurprising given that Czech support for Ukraine has been robust for years. Moreover, the expansion of Czech industry in Ukraine has been ongoing for many years, as evidenced by projects like the "Bogdana" howitzer or the "Burewij" system. Aside from licensed carbine production, the Czechs also intend to establish an ammunition factory in Ukraine, spearheaded by the company Sellier & Bellot.

The CZ-806 BREN-2 carbines, first introduced in 2015, are a thoroughly revamped version of the CZ 805 BREN from 2009. Its development aimed to equip the Czechs with a modern, modular weapon to supplant the outdated, post-Soviet vz.58 carbines, in use since the 1950s.

The CZ 805 BREN carbine was designed with a noticeable influence from the Belgian FN SCAR-L, using modern materials such as polymers and aluminium, along with a gas system with a short stroke and a bolt locked by rotation. Despite these innovations, the CZ 805 BREN faced critiques for being overly heavy (approximately 3.6 kilograms) and lacking in innovation compared to the SCAR.

In response to this feedback, Czech engineers from Česká zbrojovka (CZUB) significantly redesigned the carbine, reducing its weight to roughly 3.2 kilograms in the version with a 35cm barrel. Its modular design allows for easy barrel exchanges, enabling adaptation to different calibres—a noteworthy feature among competitors such as the Polish Grot.

The CZ-806 BREN-2 carbine is distinguished by its ergonomics, allowing comfortable use for both right and left-handed shooters. It features a folding stock with adjustable length, and the charging handle remains stationary during firing—a feature that the Belgians implemented in the SCAR-L model only in the MK2 version. The carbine uses magazines compatible with the commonly used, albeit unofficial, STANAG 4179 standard.

It is important to highlight that this is already an older variant, as in the latter half of 2024, the Czechs introduced the CZ-806 BREN-3 version. This version includes enhancements such as a thicker barrel and reinforced construction, which increases the weapon’s weight to approximately 3.2 kilograms.