The 'Ugram' rifle, an innovative assault weapon, was officially introduced on Monday, marking a significant achievement for the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with a private firm. This cutting-edge rifle, named 'Ugram,' emerged from the Armament Research and Development Establishments (ARDE), a Pune-based laboratory under the DRDO.
Developed to meet the stringent requirements of the Indian Army's 'GSQR' (General Staff Qualitative Requirement), which necessitates a rifle weighing less than four kg, the 'Ugram' stands as a testament to technological advancement. The operational prototype of this assault rifle, calibrated at 7.62 x 51mm, was unveiled by Dr. S V Gade, the Director General of the Armament & Combat Engineering Cluster, in the presence of A Raju, the Director of ARDE.
Aiming for a monumental breakthrough, Raju expressed the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the dedicated efforts of DRDO and ARDE over the past two to three years. The collaboration with Dvipa Armour India Ltd played a crucial role in expediting the realization of this fully indigenous weapon, engineered to align with international standards in its caliber.
The design process prioritized reliability, especially with the in-service ammunition, and incorporated a steel construction for critical components to ensure both ruggedness and intuitive operations, according to the release. Prototypes underwent demonstrations by various senior officials from the Indian Army and the Minister of Home Affairs.
As the 'Ugram' rifle moves forward, it will undergo rigorous testing by an independent expert committee before advancing to field user trials, as detailed in the release. This comprehensive development represents a stride forward in indigenous defense technology, showcasing the commitment of DRDO and its collaborators to meet the evolving needs of the Indian armed forces.
