Ugram Indigenous Assault Rifle Clears Army Trials

The Ugram is an indigenous 7.62×51mm assault rifle developed in India by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Dvipa Defence India Private Limited. It cleared the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirement trials and the Ministry of Home Affairs Board trials in July 2026.

Ugram Rifle Specifications

The Ugram is chambered for the 7.62×51mm cartridge. It weighs under four kilograms and has an effective firing range of 500 metres. The name Ugram is derived from Sanskrit and means “ferocious”.

Development and Manufacturing

The rifle was designed and manufactured in 100 days by ARDE and Dvipa Defence. Dvipa Defence received its manufacturing licence in 2021 and established a production facility on a 13-acre plot near Hyderabad allotted by the Telangana state government.

Use by Security Forces

The rifle is expected to be procured by Central Armed Police Forces in India. These include the Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, and National Security Guard.

Important Facts for Exams

• The General Staff Qualitative Requirement, or GSQR, is the technical and operational standard used by the Indian Army for equipment trials.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees several Central Armed Police Forces, including the CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and NSG.
• The INSAS rifle is a 5.56mm service rifle that has been used by Indian security forces since the 1990s.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat is a Government of India initiative linked with domestic manufacturing and reduced import dependence.

Replacement of INSAS

The Ugram is intended to replace the ageing 5.56mm INSAS rifles in Indian service. It is part of India’s domestic small arms development ecosystem.