Azerbaijani Company Partners with Major Supplier of Ukraine's Armaments

The Azerbaijani company Palladium has been identified as a partner of one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the armed forces of Ukraine, following a report by a Ukrainian military newspaper regarding the production of 122 mm howitzer shells. This information was reported by the MASH Telegram channel.

According to the channel, Palladium Defence and Security Solutions collaborates with Česká zbrojovka Group, which purchased the legendary American Colt Holding Company in February 2021. After the acquisition, it began to be called Colt CZ Group.

Colt CZ Group manufactures artillery, technical spare parts, armor, and other types of weapons. In order to distribute its products more effectively worldwide, the Czech office began to cooperate with the Azerbaijani company that had arrived from Baku. They provide their facilities where shells for artillery are prepared, as well as distribution centers where everything is stored and awaits shipment. One of these centers is located 9 kilometers away from the capital of Azerbaijan, in the Badamdar neighborhood.

Moreover, in April 2023, according to our information, Colt CZ Group became the sole executor of an international supply contract for Ukraine via Canada, which included 21,000 rifles, 38 machine guns, and 2.4 million cartridges. The total value of the contract was $59 million. Subsequently, Colt's press secretary, Eva Svobodová, stated that they are proud to assist Ukraine.

It became known that Radek Duchek is among the chief executives of the Czech holding's subsidiaries. He is a former scout who has worked in NATO special operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and other regions. He was the chief instructor for British soldiers.

Previously, Azerbaijani 20n5 mortars and 120 mm 40m11 shells have repeatedly shone in the armament of the Ukrainian armed forces. It is likely that these arms were delivered through third countries and military offices via a Serbian scheme, which we reported on in February this year. At that time, the Krušik defense company sent 3,500 122 mm M-21 missiles to the Ukrainian armed forces for the Grad MLRS.