DRDO launches assault rifle ‘Ugram’ for Indian Army

DRDO launches assault rifle ‘Ugram’ for Indian Army

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Defence

Context:

• Ugram is a state-of-the-art assault rifle of the 7.62 x 51 mm caliber. It was launched by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday.

More on news:

• The Defence Acquisition Council in December gave a nod for procurement of 70,000 US-made SIG Sauer assault rifles.

About Ugram Assault Rifle:

• DRDO’s Pune-based facility Armament Research and Development Establishments (ARDE) along with Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited, has developed the rifle .
• Ugram weighs less than four kilograms and has an effective range of 500 meters.
• It has been designed based on the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) of the Indian Army.
• The rifle has a rivet-free design and is capable of firing in both single as well as full auto mode.
• The assault rifle has been designed for the operational requirements of armed forces, paramilitary and state police entities.
• We have followed the concept of Development cum Production Partner, DcPP for the speedy progress of the project.
• A Mission Mode Project of the DRDO refers to a focused and time-bound development undertaken to achieve specific goals and objectives in the field of defense and technology.

Concept of Development cum Production Partner

• Under this, the vendor is associated with us during the design and production too.
• After the product is made by the vendor, it will undergo the acceptance trials.

About SIG Sauer assault rifles:

• The SIG Sauer SIG516 is a rifle manufactured by SIG Sauer. 
• It is a semi-automatic or select fire multi-caliber rifle.
•  It fires from a closed bolt, and has a short-stroke pushrod piston system.