India Boosts Indigenous Arms Production with New Rifle
The Ministry of Science and Technology has taken a significant step towards enhancing India’s small arms manufacturing capabilities. Through the Technology Development Board (TDB), financial support has been extended to dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. for the development of the UGRAM assault rifle. This initiative aims to produce high-performance, indigenous rifles that meet the Indian Army’s stringent requirements, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s defense manufacturing landscape.
Financial Support for Domestic Manufacturing
The TDB’s financial assistance is crucial for dvipa Defence as it embarks on the project titled “Development and Commercialization of 7.62 mm x 51 mm Assault Rifles.” This support will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit, complete with integrated quality assurance and testing infrastructure. The move is part of a broader strategy to reduce India’s reliance on imported small arms, which has historically led to significant foreign exchange outflows and interoperability issues within the armed forces.
India’s military has long depended on foreign-made weapons, with the aging INSAS rifles proving inadequate for modern combat scenarios. In 2017, the government initiated a policy shift aimed at replacing these outdated models with advanced rifles compatible with NATO-grade ammunition. The TDB’s backing of dvipa Defence is a direct response to this national imperative, aiming to bolster self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
dvipa Defence: A Key Player in Indigenous Manufacturing
Founded in October 2018, dvipa Defence has quickly established itself as a significant player in the Indian defense sector. The company is one of the first license holders for small arms and ammunition production in India. Collaborating with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, dvipa Defence has developed the UGRAM assault rifle, which translates to “ferocious” in Sanskrit.
In an impressive display of efficiency, dvipa Defence produced five prototypes of the UGRAM rifle within just 100 days. These prototypes successfully passed initial testing at ARDE, showcasing the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, indigenous defense products. The UGRAM rifle is designed to meet the operational needs of the Indian armed forces, particularly in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
UGRAM: Features and Capabilities
The UGRAM assault rifle is a modular and ergonomically designed weapon chambered for 7.62 mm x 51 mm ammunition. It is specifically tailored for use by armed forces, paramilitary units, and special forces engaged in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The rifle boasts several advanced features that enhance its performance and reliability.
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- Indigenous Development: All aspects of the UGRAM’s design, material selection, manufacturing, and testing have been conducted domestically and approved by ARDE, DRDO.
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- Key Features:
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- Long-stroke piston mechanism for improved reliability.
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- High-strength steel used in all pressure-bearing components.
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- High-grade nylon-based handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock.
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- Ambidextrous magazine release and ergonomic, side-mounted cocking handle.
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- Key Features:
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the TDB, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “TDB’s support to dvipa Defence underscores our commitment to indigenizing critical defense technologies under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. This project not only strengthens self-reliance but also paves the way for import substitution and future exports through trusted strategic partnerships.”
The founders of dvipa Defence expressed pride in contributing to India’s strategic autonomy, stating, “The support from TDB strengthens our resolve to manufacture for the forces, by the forces, in India.” This collaboration marks a significant step forward in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.
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