With modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces going at a rapid pace, India's premier military research institution, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the country's next-generation assault rifle in what is being as a major boost, especially for troops of the Indian Army.
The state-of-the-art gun developed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the private sector firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited (DAIPL) could turn out to be a boon for Indian soldiers involved in counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Kashmir where they are engaged in close combat with militants regularly.
The rifle named Ugram or "fierce one", has an effective range of 500 meters. It is equipped with a 20-round magazine and is capable of firing bullets in auto mode.
"This rifle is a 7 to 15 mm assault rifle that was developed within 100 days for both the Indian Army and paramilitary forces. This rifle has a 20-round magazine that fires robust and full auto mode. The rifle is effective for 500 metres and the weight of the rifle including the magazine is less than 4 kg. It is a completely indigenous rifle," Gaurav Verma, the ARDE scientist associated with the project said during the unveiling ceremony of Ugram in Pune city of Maharashtra state on Monday.
The rifle will now undergo trials with the Indian Army officers linked with the ARDE, where the weapon's success rate on various parameters will be monitored.
According to ARDE's director A Raju, the trials will be conducted either later this week or the next week.
"During the trial, the number of rounds to be fired, heating of the target, dimensions, and distribution of the bullet impact will be checked. A high-altitude test will also be conducted during the trials. We have a set of what needs to be done and accordingly, the trials will be conducted. Maximum trials will be conducted at ARDE facilities except for the high-altitude tests. In case of non-compliance, the issue will be addressed promptly," Raju stressed.