Ugram (battle rifle)
| Ugram | |
|---|---|
| Type | Battle rifle |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | User Trials |
| Used by |  Indian Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Armament Research and Development Establishment |
| Designed | August–September 2022 |
| Manufacturer | Dvipa Defence[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.91 kg (8.6 lb) |
| Length | 960 mm (38 in) |
| Barrel length | 415 mm (16.3 in)[2] |
| Cartridge | 7.62x51mm |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Muzzle velocity | 715-890 m/s |
| Effective firing range | 500 m (550 yd)[3] |
| Feed system | 20-round magazine (firearms) and is designed to fire both automatic and single-shot modes. |
| Sights | Iron sights (100-500 meters Range) |
| References | [4] |
Ugram is a 7.62x51mm battle rifle, designed and developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in collaboration with a private industry partner, Dvipa Armour India Private Limited under DcPP. It is intended for use in counter-insurgency and counter-terror operations by Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary units, and special forces, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The rifle is notable for its fully indigenous design, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and align with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.[5][6] The name "Ugram" means "ferocious" in Sanskrit.
Ugram is significant to reduce India's dependence on its ageing 5.56 mm INSAS rifle.[7][8] Moreover, supply chain disruptions resulting from the Ukraine-Russia conflict impacted other rifle-manufacturing projects like the Indo-Russian joint venture to produce AK-203.[9]
Design and Development
The process of design and design-related analysis for Ugram started in 2024. Following its design, Ugram was developed by ARDE and Dvipa in just 100 days, drawing on longstanding experience in development of small arms like the INSAS.[10][11]
In July 2026, Ugram rifle successfully cleared the Indian Army's General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) in trials. During evaluations by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Ugram proved to be superior to peer imported options like the Sig 716 in handling, functional performance, and ergonomics. It also outperforms legacy options like the INSAS and AK-47 through its higher caliber power, lighter weight, and longer effective range.[12]
Mechanically, Ugram operates on a reliable long-stroke gas piston system and utilizes high-strength steel for all internal pressure-bearing components. To enhance its ergonomic profile and reduce overall weight, the rifle features a high-grade nylon-based handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock. Furthermore, it is equipped with modern combat-ready features, including an ambidextrous magazine release and an ergonomic, side-mounted cocking handle, ensuring adaptability and ease of use in diverse operational environments.[13]
References
- ↑ "U-51 (7.62 X 51 mm)". dvipa Defence India Private Limited. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ↑ "DRDO develops new assault rifle". Janes. Janes. 2024-01-09. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ↑ "DRDO launches indigenous assault rifle 'Ugram' for armed forces". CNBCTV18. 2024-01-09. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ↑ "Ugram". Dvipa Armour India Private Limited. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ↑ "DRDO launches indigenous assault rifle 'Ugram' for armed forces". The Economic Times. 2024-01-09. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ↑ "DRDO Launches Indigenous Assault Rifle 'Ugram'". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 2025-06-28.
- ↑ "Atmanirbhar Defence: All about DRDO's new assault rifle 'Ugram' made for Indian Army". Firstpost. 2024-01-10. Archived from the original on 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ "DRDO develops new assault rifle". Janes Information Services. 2024-01-10. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ Peri, Dinakar (2022-03-13). "Ukraine crisis delays Ak-203 assault rifle deal with Russia". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ "Ugram triumphs: India's indigenous rifle clears Army & MHA trials, poised for big CAPF orders". The Times of India. 2026-07-07. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ "New Rifle Developed In India In Record 100 Days, Its Range Is..." www.ndtv.com. Archived from the original on 2025-06-10. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ "India-made UGRAM U-51 rifle, more powerful than AK-47, enters service. What makes the gun unique?". @theweek. Retrieved 2026-07-27.
- ↑ PIB Delhi (17 April 2025). "Technology Development Board-Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) supports M/s dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. in Strengthening India's Small Arms Manufacturing Ecosystem". Press Information Bureau.
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