DRDO Unveils Ugram: Cutting-Edge 7.62mm Assault Rifle
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) introduced Ugram, a state-of-the-art 7.62 x 51 mm calibre assault rifle, designed and manufactured domestically in collaboration with Dvipa Armour India. The rifle, named Ugram (meaning ferocious), was revealed in Pune by Dr Shailendra V Gade, Director General of Armament and Combat Engineering Systems. With a 500-meter effective range and weighing less than four kilograms, the rifle aligns with the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) of the Indian Army. Developed by DRDO's ARDE facility in Pune, this rifle features a 20-round magazine, operates in single and full auto mode, and has a rivet-free design. Despite the recent approval for US-made SIG Sauer rifles, DRDO's Ugram faces internal tests, acceptance trials, and user trials before potential induction. ARDE Director Ankathi Raju highlighted the mission mode approach, emphasizing the swift collaboration with Dvipa Armour for design and production. The rifle will undergo extensive trials, including tests in diverse weather and geographic conditions, ensuring accuracy and consistency. G Ram Chaitanya Reddy, Director of Dvipa Armour India, revealed that the development, including five prototypes, was completed in just 100 days. Additional tests and clearances are planned, marking a rapid advancement in weapon development.