DRDO Launches Indigenous Assault Rifle 'Ugram' For Armed Forces

Defense news ,India :- In response to the escalating demand for small arms within security forces, including the Indian armed forces, paramilitary, and police units, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited (DAIPL), proudly presents 'UGRAM'—a homegrown assault rifle hailed as 'the fierce one.'

ARDE unveiled this indigenous rifle on January 8 during a formal ceremony at their laboratory premises. Simultaneously, they inaugurated a new small arms' barrel manufacturing facility, set to supply barrels for both the Indian armed forces and the private sector, according to an ARDE official.

Gaurav Verma, a scientist in ARDE's small arms department, shared insights into UGRAM's specifications, describing it as a 7 to 15 mm assault rifle developed in just 100 days for the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. The rifle boasts a 20-round magazine, operates in robust full-auto mode, is effective up to 500 meters, and weighs less than 4 kg, including the magazine. Verma emphasized that UGRAM is a completely indigenous creation.

The assembly of the rifle is overseen by ARDE scientists, with DAIPL demonstrating its functionality. Internal trials are on the horizon, with a board comprising in-service Army officers and ARDE experts overseeing the process. A Raju, ARDE's director, highlighted the upcoming trials, emphasizing the meticulous examination of factors such as round firing, target heating, bullet impact distribution, and high-altitude performance.

DAIPL's director, G Ram Chaitanya Reddy, expressed pride in the entirely Indian origin of the UGRAM, addressing the critical shortage of small arms in the country. He indicated that after prototypes, further testing by various agencies, including ARDE, the Indian Army, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, will occur. Once 15 rifles receive final certification, the procurement process will commence.

Acknowledging the substantial demand for small arms in India, Reddy hinted at potential exports. He recognized the project as a significant breakthrough in the small arms manufacturing industry.

In addition to UGRAM, ARDE unveiled a barrel manufacturing facility, costing ₹60 crore and sanctioned three years ago. This facility is crucial for providing cost-effective barrel manufacturing for all private players in India, aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

These developments, disclosed by ARDE on December 8, mark significant strides for the small arms manufacturing sector and align with the Government of India's self-reliance initiative. ARDE, a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), continues to contribute expertise in conventional armaments, building on its legacy of developing operational rifles like the INSAS rifle still in use by the Indian Army.