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Context

• DRDO recently unveiled a groundbreaking achievement – the indigenous rifle named 'Ugram,' meaning ferocious.
• Developed in less than 100 days, this rifle is a collaborative effort between the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a unit of DRDO, and the Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited.

Details

Key Features

• Caliber and Lethality:
  • The 'Ugram' rifle is designed to deploy rounds of 7.62 mm caliber, distinguishing it from rifles like the INSAS that use 5.56 mm caliber rounds.
  • This enhancement in caliber contributes to its ferocious nature, making it a formidable addition to the armory of the armed forces in India, including paramilitary forces.
• Operational Requirements:
  • Developed with the operational requirements of the military, paramilitary, and police forces in mind, the 'Ugram' rifle aims to meet the diverse needs of India's defense apparatus.
• Effective Range and Weight:
  • The rifle boasts an impressive effective range of 500 meters, equivalent to approximately five football fields.
  • Weighing four kilograms, it strikes a balance between portability and firepower.

Development Process

• General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR):
  • Developed as per the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the army, ensuring it aligns with the specific needs and standards set by the military.
• Development cum Production Partner (DcPP):
  • The project adopted the Development cum Production Partner model for expedited progress.
  • Private industry partner, Dvipa Armour India Private Limited, collaborated with ARDE during the design and production phases.
• Trials and Acceptance:
  • The rifle, having been developed in 100 days, is now set to undergo trials to evaluate its operational capability under various conditions, including harsh winter, extreme heat, and underwater.
  • Following successful trials, it will proceed to acceptance trials to ensure its readiness for deployment.

Significance and Context

• Fast Track Procurement:
  • The 'Ugram' rifle's development aligns with the Fast Track Procurement initiative, aiming to replace the ageing INSAS rifle, which debuted during the Kargil conflict in 1999.
• International Collaborations:
  • India's collaboration with Russia for the AK-203 rifle, deploying 7.62 mm caliber rounds, provides context to the 'Ugram' development.
  • Challenges in the AK-203 project due to geopolitical conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, created an opportunity for the 'Ugram.'
• Global Recognition:
  • G Ram Chaitanya Reddy, Director of Dvipa Armour India, highlighted the global significance of the 'Ugram,' emphasizing its rapid development as one of the fastest in the world.

Conclusion

The 'Ugram' rifle stands as a testament to India's commitment to advancing defense capabilities through innovation and strategic partnerships. Its swift development showcases the nation's agility in responding to evolving security needs.

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