- By Mayukh Debnath
- Tue, 09 Jan 2024 07:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
DRDO Unveils Ugram: The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), an arm of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), recently unveiled an assault rifle that it has jointly designed and developed with a Hyderabad-based private entity. The indigenously developed firearm, named 'Ugram' (Sanskrit for ferocious), has been developed as a result of a collaboration between ARDE, Pune and Dvipa Armour India Private Limited (DAIPL), Hindustan Times (HT) reported.
'Ugram' was unveiled by the ARDE on Monday (January 8) during a formal programme organised at the laboratory premises. The domestically developed assault rifle will be required to undergo extensive testing before it can be cleared for mass production for use by the armed and police forces.
Developed In Three Months
If the assault rifle successfully makes it through the trials, it will become a huge testament to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's efforts to reduce India's dependence on imports for its defence needs as, according to ARDE scientists, 'Ugram' was developed in a record time of just 100 days.
'Ugram' Specifications
- As per report published by the Times of India (ToI), 'Ugram' is a 7.62 mm calibre assault rifle.
- It comes with a 20-round magazine.
- The firearm reportedly features robust and full auto-firing modes.
- 'Ugram' weighs under just four (kg).
- The indigenously made assault rifle has a firing range of 500m.
"This rifle is a 7 to 15 mm assault rifle that was developed within 100 days for both the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. This rifle has a 20-round magazine that fires robust and full auto mode. The rifle is effective for 500 metres and the weight of the rifle including the magazine is less than 4 kg. It is a completely indigenous rifle," Gaurav Verma, an ARDE scientist, was quoted as saying by HT.
'Ugram' Trials Awaited
'Ugram' will undergo trials within the next two weeks, ARDE officials said on Monday. It's performance in high-altitude conditions will also be tested, said ARDE Director A Raju. "Probably this week or in the next week, we will conduct trials of this small arms’ weapon. During the trial, the number of rounds to be fired, heating of the target, dimensions, and distribution of the bullet impact will be checked. A high-altitude test will also be conducted during the trials," the official stated.