A new battle rifle, the UGRAM 7.62×51 mm, developed by Hyderabad-based startup Dvipa Defence in collaboration with ARDE, has successfully finished trials conducted by the Army and Ministry of Home Affairs. The rifle, a joint effort between Dvipa and DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), is now in the procurement process for various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Designed and constructed within a remarkable 100 days, the UGRAM rifle is being hailed as one of the fastest indigenous weapon development programs in the country.
The UGRAM rifle, as per the company, has undergone rigorous reliability and endurance tests and is progressing towards procurement by the CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and NSG. Featuring a modern gas-operated rotating bolt system, the UGRAM rifle weighs less than four kilograms and boasts an effective range of 500 meters. Dvipa Managing Director Sibu Joseph stated that the rifle has successfully passed Army General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) trials, extensive field evaluations in various climatic conditions, and MHA Board trials.
Dvipa, which obtained its manufacturing license in 2021, has established a complete production facility on over 13 acres of land provided by the Telangana government in Hyderabad. With a portfolio of more than 100 indigenous weapon systems and variants, UGRAM stands out as the flagship platform for the company. The UGRAM program is seen as a significant move in enhancing Hyderabad’s status as a hub for indigenous defense manufacturing and in reducing India’s reliance on imported small arms.
Dvipa is dedicated to producing top-notch defense products in India for the country’s security forces, as per Joseph. The company is also working on a range of indigenous weapons, including assault rifles, carbines, sub-machine guns, light machine guns, and anti-drone systems. Established in 2018, Dvipa Defence is now recognized among a new wave of private Indian defense manufacturers.
