The Indian Army is one step closer to fielding the domestically developed UGRAM battle rifle after it cleared a series of key evaluations.
The new weapon completed General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) trials, Ministry of Home Affairs Board evaluations, and endurance testing across extreme climatic conditions, paving the way for potential deployment.
UGRAM at a Glance
The UGRAM is chambered for NATO-standard 7.62×51mm ammunition, combining greater range and stopping power with a gas-operated, rotating-bolt action.
Weighing less than 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), the rifle has an effective range of 500 meters (1,640 feet).
It feeds from a 20-round magazine and delivers a minimum rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute.
The weapon also supports accessories such as a bayonet, sling, and foregrip, while its adjustable iron sights are calibrated for targets between 100 and 500 meters (328 to 1,640 feet).
It offers safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic firing modes.
From Concept to Rifle in 100 Days
Dvipa Defence developed the UGRAM in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Armament Research and Development Establishment.
According to the company, the collaboration took the rifle from concept to an operational weapon system in just 100 days, one of the shortest development timelines for an indigenous firearms program in India.
The UGRAM is now moving toward procurement by the Central Armed Police Forces, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, and the National Security Guard.
“Our journey began with the manufacturing licence in 2021. Today, we have developed over 100 indigenous weapon systems and variants, with UGRAM emerging as our flagship platform,” said Sibu Joseph, managing director of Dvipa Defence.
“We remain committed to building world-class defence products in India for Indian security forces.”
