CZ BREN 3 Enters Service with the Armed Forces of Montenegro

Back in July Colt CZ Group announced that the Montenegrin Armed Forces had selected CZ small arms, ammunition and accessories. This included the new CZ Bren 3 as well as pistols, precision rifles and CZ Scorpion EVO 3 submachine guns. At the time Colt CZ Group's CEO, Radek Musil, said: "We are pleased to become a partner to another NATO member state in the process of modernization of its armed forces. We are also proud that CZ BREN 3 rifles will be newly adopted into the service of a NATO country."

Now, earlier this week the company announced that the first CZ Bren 3 rifles had been delivered. A statement from Colt CZ Group said:

"The first rifles have been delivered, making Montenegro the first country to introduce the latest-generation CZ BREN platform into service. This marks an important milestone for CZ and reflects the trust placed in our newest generation of rifles. The delivery is part of a modernization project implemented in cooperation with the Czech Republic.

Alongside CZ BREN 3 rifles, the project includes other small arms, accessories and ammunition supplied by Colt CZ Group companies. Built on experience gained from previous generations in military and law enforcement service, CZ BREN 3 was developed with an emphasis on reliability, durability, ergonomics and versatility to meet the requirements of today’s military users. Representatives of Montenegro’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces attended the official delivery in Danilovgrad on 7 October 2026. We thank the Armed Forces of Montenegro for their trust and are proud to support their modernization."

The Czech government highlighted the delivery was transported to Montenegro by the new Czech Air Force Embraer C-390 aircraft, for which it was the first cargo flight.

The delivery also highlights Colt CZ Groups capability as a system of systems provider with products from three of the group's companies being supplied: Česká zbrojovka, Sellier & Bellot, and 4M Systems a.s.. The Montenegrian armed forces only number 2,350 with the Army making up the majority of personnel.

The delivery was implemented under an intergovernmental defense cooperation agreement between the Czech Republic and Montenegro, a fellow NATO member state. With the first delivery on 7 October and further deliveries likely planned into 2027, Montenegro is one of the first states to adopt the new, product improved CZ Bren 3.

Read our full, hands-on, breakdown of the CZ Bren 3 here.