SOURCE: AFI
Hyderabad-based Dvipa Defence, a rising name in India’s small arms manufacturing sector, is set to deliver 10 units of its indigenously developed Ugram assault rifles (7.62x51mm) to the Border Security Force (BSF) for trials, as reported in posts on X dated April 4, 2025. This development marks a significant milestone for the company and the Ugram rifle, which has been positioned as a fully homegrown solution to meet the operational needs of India’s armed forces and paramilitary units. The trials with the BSF are a crucial step toward potential induction, reflecting India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense production.
The Ugram, meaning “ferocious” in Sanskrit, was first unveiled in January 2024 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with Dvipa Defence (then known as Dvipa Armour India Pvt Ltd). Developed in a record-breaking 100 days, the rifle was designed to meet the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs), offering a 7.62x51mm caliber platform with an effective range of 500 meters and a weight of under 4 kg. Its 20-round magazine, rivet-free design, and ability to fire in both single and full-auto modes make it a versatile contender, comparable to modern AK- and AR-type rifles globally.
The BSF trials follow earlier evaluations by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in May 2024, where the Ugram outperformed the imported Sig Sauer 716 rifle in handling, functionality, and ergonomics, according to a DRDO newsletter. The BSF, tasked with guarding India’s borders in challenging terrains like deserts, mountains, and insurgency-prone areas, will likely test the rifle’s performance under extreme conditions—potentially including high-altitude regions like Siachen and the Line of Control (LoC). These trials are expected to assess the rifle’s reliability, accuracy, and suitability for border security operations, where stopping power and ruggedness are paramount.
For Dvipa Defence, a small firm with just 15 employees as of early 2024, this order is a testament to its growing capabilities. Operating out of a 13-acre campus in Tunikibollaram, Mulugu mandal of Siddipet, the company has rapidly scaled its production since delivering its first five prototypes to ARDE in January 2024. The Ugram’s development was spurred by a shortfall in assault rifles for India’s forces, exacerbated by delays in the AK-203 project—a joint venture with Russia stalled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict—and other geopolitical disruptions affecting arms imports.
The Ugram’s 7.62x51mm caliber aligns with the Indian military’s shift toward heavier rounds for greater lethality, a doctrine emphasizing “shoot to kill” over incapacitation, as seen with the Army’s adoption of the Sig 716. However, the Ugram’s 100% indigenous design offers a cost-effective alternative, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. If successful in the BSF trials, the rifle could see wider adoption across CAPFs and the Indian Army, bolstering India’s small arms ecosystem.
Yet, challenges remain. The Ugram must prove its consistency with Indian-made 7.62mm ammunition, which has previously shown issues like inaccuracy and higher recoil with imported rifles like the Sig 716. Additionally, the Indian armed forces’ history of inducting multiple platforms for similar roles—such as the Sig 716 alongside potential Ugram adoption—raises concerns about logistical complexity and training overheads, a point of contention among defense analysts. The DRDO and Dvipa will need to address these concerns to ensure the Ugram’s long-term viability.
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