Pune: In a historic collaboration, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and a Hyderabad-based private firm unveiled the indigenous assault rifle named ‘Ugram’ (ferocious) on Monday. This marks the first instance of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab partnering with a private industry to manufacture a 7.62 x 51 mm calibre rifle.
The ‘Ugram’ rifle, weighing less than four kg and boasting a 500-meter firing range, is tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces, and state police forces. The official launch ceremony was conducted by Shailendra Gade, the director general of the Armament and Combat Engineering (ACE) system of the DRDO.
Developed based on the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) issued by the Indian Army for assault rifles, the ‘Ugram’ project gains significance amid a shortfall in assault rifles due to disruptions in the import of AK-203 rifles caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A Raju, the director of ARDE, highlighted the unique development cum production partner (DCPP) concept employed in this collaboration with the private firm. The weapon’s design was prepared by the laboratory, and the private firm’s involvement was instrumental in executing the project. Internal trials will be conducted at the firing range before moving on to user trials.
Despite facing challenges, including a broken seat and non-functional in-flight entertainment, the ARDE officials and the private firm accomplished the development of the ‘Ugram’ rifle in an impressive 100 days. The project, with a budget of Rs 60 crore, also led to the establishment of a dedicated barrel manufacturing facility at ARDE’s campus.
The DRDO’s investment in this facility aims to support private industries in their weapon manufacturing projects by providing cost-effective barrel manufacturing capabilities. The newly established facility, equipped with imported machines from Austria, is expected to cater to the demand from manufacturers for locally produced, cost-effective barrels.
