The Czech Ministry of Defence and Česká zbrojovka (CZ) have signed a new framework agreement for the supply of small arms and accessories, according to a recent announcement by the long-established Czech company. According to this information, the contract volume amounts to up to 4.26 billion Czech crowns (around 175 million euros) excluding VAT. The agreement is valid for the period from 2025 to 2031.
Continuation of the long-standing co-operation between the Czech Armed Forces and CZ
The signing took place in Prague by Lubor Koudelka, Director General of the Armament and Acquisitions Division of the Ministry of Defense, and Jan Zajic, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of CZ. The two sides are thus continuing their cooperation, which began back in 2011. Under previous contracts, the Czech army was able to switch completely to weapons in NATO calibers.
The agreement continues to focus on the CZ BREN 2 assault rifles, the CZ P-10 C service pistol (we recently reported on the P-10 C Ported, the latest variant in the series) and CZ GL underbarrel grenade launchers. The contract also includes extensive accessories such as day and night vision optics, laser sights, spare parts and maintenance kits as well as holsters and transport cases. Procurement is to take place in stages and is to be orientated towards the current requirements of the armed forces. The maximum agreed financial amount may not be fully utilized.
Extension of the framework agreement between the Czech army and CZ: voices from politics and industry
Czech Minister of Defence Jana Černochová commented on the signing of the framework agreement: "CZ is a strategic partner that participated in the complete rearmament of the Czech Army with modern NATO-caliber small arms. Continuing cooperation with this Czech company, which is one of the ten largest manufacturers of these firearms in the world, is a logical step."
CZ CEO Jan Zajic emphasised the honor of continuing to enjoy the trust of the armed forces: "I would like to thank the Minister and the entire Ministry of Defense for their trust. It is a great honor for us to continue our cooperation with the Czech Army and working together to strengthen our country's defense capabilities. Our firearms have long proven their reliability and quality in real combat conditions. We utilize this experience to make continuous improvements and develop new generations of our products."
Background: Česká zbrojovka, based in Uherský Brod, Moravia, is part of the international Colt CZ Group. The company manufactures a wide range of firearms for civilian customers and armed forces. We have already published numerous (test) reports on the civilian hunting, sporting and self-defence firearms here at all4shooters.com. According to the company, CZ exports its products to over 90 countries, while military models are used by armies in more than 40 countries.
