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TDB supports dvipa Defence to boost India’s small arms manufacturing
Industry News- Apr 18,25
dvipa Defence, established in 2018 and one of the first licensed private arms manufacturers in India, collaborated with DRDO’s ARDE, Pune, to develop the UGRAM rifle
In a significant push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has extended financial assistance to dvipa Defence India Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad, for the development and commercialisation of 7.62 mm x 51 mm UGRAM assault rifles.
The project aims to address the Indian Army’s demand for modern, reliable assault rifles that meet General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). This initiative also supports the creation of a fully indigenous manufacturing facility equipped with integrated quality control and testing infrastructure.
India has long relied on imported small arms, leading to high foreign exchange costs and interoperability challenges. With ageing INSAS rifles proving inadequate for modern combat, the government shifted policy in 2017 to replace them with NATO-standard 7.62 mm rifles.
dvipa Defence, established in 2018 and one of the first licensed private arms manufacturers in India, collaborated with DRDO’s ARDE, Pune, to develop the UGRAM rifle — named after the Sanskrit word for "ferocious." Impressively, the company delivered five prototypes in just 100 days, all of which passed initial testing.
Key features of UGRAM rifle :
• Long-stroke piston mechanism for reliability
• High-strength steel for all pressure-bearing components
• Nylon-based ergonomic handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock
• Ambidextrous magazine release and side-mounted cocking handle
According to Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, “TDB’s support to dvipa Defence underscores our commitment to indigenising critical defence technologies under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. This project strengthens self-reliance and opens export opportunities.”
The company’s founders noted that TDB’s backing reinforces their mission of building world-class, indigenous defence products, marking a key milestone in India’s journey towards strategic autonomy and import substitution in small arms production.
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