India’s Elite NSG to Field Indigenous ‘Ugram’ Assault Rifle

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In a significant step toward bolstering indigenous defense capabilities, the National Security Guard (NSG), India’s premier counter-terrorism force, is set to procure a limited number of the new Ugram assault rifles. The 7.62×51 mm caliber weapon, developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Hyderabad-based private firm Dvipa Armour India Private Limited, is a testament to the nation’s push for self-reliance in military hardware. The procurement, which is part of a larger tender from the Ministry of Home Affairs, follows comprehensive trials conducted by multiple Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The Ugram rifle, whose name means “ferocious” in Sanskrit, was developed in a remarkably short period. The project, a collaborative effort, saw five prototypes delivered in just 100 days. This accelerated timeline underscores the priority given to providing Indian forces with a modern and reliable weapon designed for the rigors of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The rifle was specifically engineered to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs) of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary units.

Weighing less than four kilograms, the Ugram strikes a balance between lethality and portability. Its use of the NATO-standard 7.62x51mm cartridge gives it superior stopping power and a longer effective range of 500 meters compared to the 5.56mm caliber weapons previously in use. It features both single-shot and full-automatic firing modes and a rivet-free design, which contributes to its robust construction. The rifle also includes a monolithic Picatinny rail for mounting modern accessories like sights and grips, enhancing its tactical versatility.

The NSG’s decision to move forward with this procurement is a strong endorsement of the rifle’s performance during trials, where it was evaluated for its accuracy, reliability, and operational suitability. The initial batches are intended for further user trials under real-world conditions, paving the way for potential larger-scale induction. This move aligns with the broader national goal of replacing aging platforms like the INSAS rifle family and reducing dependency on foreign weapons imports. The development and procurement of the Ugram assault rifle marks a key milestone in India’s defense modernization and its strategic embrace of indigenous manufacturing.