At the 2016 Eurosatory defense trade show, Czech gunmaker CZ debuted for the first time its improved 806 Bren 2 rifle on the international market. The Bren 2 was announced in October of 2015, and improves on the 805 Bren by being lighter, having an improved selector with no two round burst feature, and other improvements based on feedback from the Army of the Czech Republic.

Despite having been announced eight months ago, the Bren 2 806 rifle has not been present at any industry trade shows, until Eurosatory. The rifle was, however, shown off to Pakistani officials in its 7.62x39mm guise in March of this year.

Compared to the somewhat chunky 805 Bren, the 806 Bren cuts 0.63 kg (1.39lb) from the weight of the previous rifle, thanks to a slimmer, more streamlined receiver contour that was designed specifically to be made out of machined aluminum. The 805 Bren’s receiver was originally designed to be injection molded of polyamide plastic, like a G36, but the production method was changed late in the design process. The Czech army is of course first in line for the new rifle, and it seems on track to purchase them pending state trials. A good bet for the second customer is previously-mentioned Pakistan, to whom the 806 Bren 2 offers compatibility with 7.62x39mm ammunition in a very modern platform. The 806 Bren 2 may also be set to compete in the French competition to select a new rifle to replace the aging FAMAS.