Small Hyderabad firm makes assault rifle in 100 days

Dvipa Armour India Pvt Ltd, a Hyderabad-based company, has successfully developed the Ugram assault rifle, a 100% 'Made in India' weapon designed to replace the INSAS rifle. Manufactured in a record-breaking 100 days, the rifle, based on specifications from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Pune, boasts a 7.62 calibre, a maximum firing range of 500 meters, and a weight of less than 4 kg. Capable of both single-shot and continuous burst firing, it accommodates 20 rounds per magazine. The company secured the development order in October 2023, beating four other bidders. The prototypes were delivered within the stipulated time, a feat unmatched in India's defense manufacturing history. Dvipa Armour plans to conduct rigorous trials in extreme conditions, including Siachen, Leh Ladakh, Rajasthan, and critical border areas. Despite having only 15 employees and lacking a background in defense production, the company is making strides in fulfilling the government's vision of 'atmanirbhar' Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.