A groundbreaking collaboration between the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and a private firm based in Hyderabad, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has proudly launched an indigenous assault rifle named 'Ugram' (meaning ferocious) that packs a punch for the Indian Army.
This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a DRDO lab has joined forces with a private industry to craft a 7.62 x 51 mm calibre rifle. An official highlighted that 'Ugram' is meticulously designed to meet the operational demands of not only the Indian armed forces but also paramilitary and state police forces.
The unveiling ceremony, presided over by Shailendra Gade, the director general of the Armament and Combat Engineering (ACE) system of the DRDO, showcased a rifle that weighs less than four kilograms and boasts an impressive 500-meter firing range.
Developed in response to the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) issued by the Indian Army for assault rifles, 'Ugram' is poised to address the current shortfall in such weapons within the forces. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has impacted the import of AK-203 rifles, making the indigenous development of 'Ugram' a strategic and timely move.
A. Raju, the director of the ARDE, emphasized that the laboratory took the lead in designing the weapon, employing the novel concept of development cum production partner (DCPP) to involve the private firm. As the project moves forward, various internal trials at the firing range will scrutinize different aspects of the weapon before embarking on user trials.
The rigorous process of weapon testing, a crucial step in ensuring operational efficiency, is underway. Achieving the basic threshold of accuracy and smooth functioning is paramount. "We are in the process of constituting a board of officers, represented by the Indian Army, to carry out a series of user trials in different weather conditions," stated Raju. These trials will involve testing the weapon in high-altitude regions, deserts, and various challenging environments.
The ARDE officials and members of the collaborating private firm displayed remarkable dedication by developing 'Ugram' in just 100 days. Raju commended the achievement, attributing the rapid progress to the preparedness of the design. As the DRDO and its partners move forward with user trials, the anticipation is high, and the success of 'Ugram' could mark a new era in indigenous defense manufacturing for India.
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