The Czech Ministry of Defence has signed a billion-crown framework agreement with Česká zbrojovka. Between 2025 and 2031, the deal will see the delivery of modern assault rifles, pistols, and under-barrel grenade launchers, complete with accessories.
The new agreement continues a 15-year history of successful cooperation. The government had been informed of the plans in advance, and the Defence Minister’s Board had approved the contract.
Procurement will take place under the framework agreement, allowing weapons to be ordered in line with actual requirements and the Ministry’s budgetary capabilities.
Defence Minister Jana Černochová emphasised the strategic importance of the partnership: “Česká zbrojovka is our strategic partner, having already overseen the complete modernisation of the Czech Army’s small arms. Continuing our cooperation with one of the world’s ten largest manufacturers of these weapons is therefore a logical step.”
The new agreement builds on a 15-year track record of successful collaboration. During this period, the Ministry signed two contracts with Česká zbrojovka worth around six billion crowns, resulting in the delivery of tens of thousands of weapons and enabling the full transition to NATO-standard equipment.
The value of the new framework agreement stands at 4.26 billion crowns. However, the full amount does not need to be spent, as the weapons will be procured in tranches according to current requirements.
Major General Pavel Lipka, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army, underlined the necessity of the purchase: “Acquiring these weapons is crucial to completing the Army’s transition to modern small arms and replacing older weapons that are gradually reaching the end of their service life.”
Recently, the government in Prague also approved the purchase of up to 77 Leopard 2A8 tanks, which are expected to be delivered to the Army from 2028. This procurement is being carried out jointly with Germany, with significant involvement from the domestic defence industry.
