India’s New Assault Riffle – Ugram

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

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India’s New Assault Riffle – Ugram

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed and launched a new 7.62mm caliber assault rifle named ‘Ugram’ intended as a standard-issue weapon for the Indian Armed Forces replacing some aging INSAS rifles.

The firearm was engineered in collaboration with private industry to meet military and law enforcement operational requirements. Its design focuses on reliability, accuracy, and lightweight ruggedness.

Key Features and Specifications

Officially designated as a 7.62x51mm assault rifle, the Ugram fires the same large-caliber cartridge in use with NATO forces globally ensuring abundant ammunition compatibility.

Weighing less than 4 kg fully-loaded, the rifle incorporates materials like steel in critical components for durability while keeping weight manageable for troops on patrol.

An effective range of 500 meters makes the Ugram suitable for most infantry combat scenarios. Its accuracy and stopping power exceeds the 5.56mm INSAS rifle to give soldiers better tactical versatility.

The gun’s gas-operated short stroke piston system paired with a rotating bolt design also enhances reliability by efficiently dispelling heat and fouling from rapid firing.

Ongoing Development and Production

Functional prototypes of the Ugram were recently demonstrated to senior officials from the Indian Army and Ministry of Home Affairs, garnering strong interest for initial batch production and field trials.

Before approval for full induction, the authoritative Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) laboratory will conduct exhaustive independent tests assessing durability, safety, accuracy parameters and compatibility with all standard-issue 7.62mm ammunition.

This new assault rifle project exemplifies India’s expanding self-reliance in small arms to replace aging imported platforms with locally engineered weapons leveraging the country’s maturing military-industrial base.

Strategic Significance

The successful development of the Ugram assault rifle holds both tactical and strategic significance for Indian defense.

At the soldier’s level, the weapon provides upgraded lethality and accuracy over decades-old INSAS rifles, building the infantry’s confidence that their basic kit delivers maximal advantage.

Strategically, attaining self-sufficiency across the majority of conventional armaments like rifles, artillery and munitions reduces import dependence that can be vulnerable to geopolitical coercion.

And the project showcases Indian R&D capabilities in weapon miniaturization fitting greater firepower into lightweight, modular platforms to match global technology growth.

Future Small Arms Goals

Unveiling the new Ugram rifle, senior DRDO officials highlighted India’s ambition to position itself at the vanguard of infantry arms advancement.

The organization aspires becoming a hub for next-generation small weapon design trending toward adaptability, precision and integrated technologies like sights, guidance and non-lethal capabilities.

With its expanding defense industrial base and engineering talent pool, India seems poised to achieve this vision – if the promising new made-in-India Ugram assault rifle proves a glimpse of firearms of the future.

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the country’s new, domestically-built assault rifle for the armed forces, paramilitary, and state police.

Called the “Ugram,” the weapon uses a 7.62 x 51-millimeter caliber round and weighs less than four kilograms (8.8 pounds).

It was developed and manufactured with private industry partner Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.

The rifle has a 20-round magazine, can fire in single and fully automatic modes, and has an effective range of 500 meters (1,640 feet).

The Ugram is comparable to the latest AK- and AR-type rifles in service with many armed forces worldwide, according to a report by The Indian Express.

Upcoming Trials

The indigenous assault rifle is scheduled to undergo a series of internal testing, acceptance trials, and user trials before being inducted into the armed forces.

According to DRDO official Ankathi Raju, the trial will see the weapon fire numerous rounds without stopping to evaluate its accuracy and consistency.

The Ugram will also be tested in various weather and geographic conditions, including at high altitudes, to see if it can support operations along the country’s contested border with China.

“If some non-compliances are found, we will have to address them in specific time and the trials will be redone,” Raju stated.

‘Shortfall’ of Assault Rifles

The move to develop its own rifle was made despite the Indian government approving the purchase of 70,000 SiG 716 assault rifles from Sig Sauer.

The US-made weapons will be used in counter-terrorism and other major operations of the Indian Army.

Dvipa Armour India director Ram Chaitanya Reddy said the country proceeded with the domestic development because of the current “major shortfall” of assault rifles in India.

“The AK-203 project has not taken off because of the Russia-Ukraine war,” he told the outlet. “So, this window of opportunity has come up. Three months ago, in October 2023, we received the order. And we have successfully given five prototypes.”

 

 

Blog By: Trupti Thakur