TDB-DST Backs dvipa Defence to Boost India’s Small Arms Sector
DEFENSE

TDB-DST Backs dvipa Defence to Boost India’s Small Arms Sector

The Ministry of Science and Technology, through the Technology Development Board (TDB), has taken a pivotal step toward indigenizing India’s small arms manufacturing capability by extending financial assistance to dvipa Defence India, Hyderabad (erstwhile dvipa Armour). The project, titled “Development and Commercialization of 7.62 mm x 51 mm Assault Rifles,” aims to produce high-performance, indigenous assault rifles in alignment with the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

TDB’s assistance will play a crucial role in enabling the development, testing, and commercialization of the UGRAM rifle, including the creation of a state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing unit with integrated quality assurance and testing infrastructure.

For decades, India has depended heavily on imported small arms, resulting in substantial foreign exchange outflows and interoperability challenges across armed forces, thereby complicating training and logistics. The ageing INSAS rifles, once developed through earlier collaborations, are increasingly viewed as inadequate for modern combat needs. In 2017, the Government initiated a policy shift to replace these with advanced, reliable rifles chambered in 7.62 mm x 51 mm NATO-grade ammunition.

In response to this national need, dvipa Defence, incorporated in October 2018, emerged as a strong domestic player in the defence manufacturing sector. As one of the early license holders for small arms and ammunition production, the company partnered with DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, to develop a fully indigenous assault rifle, UGRAM – Sanskrit for “ferocious.” Demonstrating exceptional execution, five prototypes were developed within 100 days and successfully passed initial testing at ARDE.

News source: PIB

The Ministry of Science and Technology, through the Technology Development Board (TDB), has taken a pivotal step toward indigenizing India’s small arms manufacturing capability by extending financial assistance to dvipa Defence India, Hyderabad (erstwhile dvipa Armour). The project, titled “Development and Commercialization of 7.62 mm x 51 mm Assault Rifles,” aims to produce high-performance, indigenous assault rifles in alignment with the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). TDB’s assistance will play a crucial role in enabling the development, testing, and commercialization of the UGRAM rifle, including the creation of a state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing unit with integrated quality assurance and testing infrastructure. For decades, India has depended heavily on imported small arms, resulting in substantial foreign exchange outflows and interoperability challenges across armed forces, thereby complicating training and logistics. The ageing INSAS rifles, once developed through earlier collaborations, are increasingly viewed as inadequate for modern combat needs. In 2017, the Government initiated a policy shift to replace these with advanced, reliable rifles chambered in 7.62 mm x 51 mm NATO-grade ammunition. In response to this national need, dvipa Defence, incorporated in October 2018, emerged as a strong domestic player in the defence manufacturing sector. As one of the early license holders for small arms and ammunition production, the company partnered with DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, to develop a fully indigenous assault rifle, UGRAM – Sanskrit for “ferocious.” Demonstrating exceptional execution, five prototypes were developed within 100 days and successfully passed initial testing at ARDE. News source: PIB

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DDA Approves Rs 87.2 Billion Budget for 2025-26

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved a budget of Rs 87.2 billion for the financial year 2025-26, with a strong emphasis on civic infrastructure development, green space rejuvenation, housing, and sports facilities, according to an official statement. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the budget meeting highlighted several large-scale projects, including the revitalisation of the Yamuna floodplain, creation of expansive parks, and upgraded civic amenities. Out of the total outlay, Rs 41.4 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, covering new roads, infrastruc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vi Taps Cisco to Power Next-Gen Network

Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has joined hands with US-based tech major Cisco Systems to revamp its transport network infrastructure across India. The strategic partnership aims to enhance network performance, scalability, and user experience for both retail and enterprise customers. As part of the agreement, Vi will deploy Cisco’s advanced Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology to create a high-capacity, software-driven transport network. This will significantly improve the telecom player’s ability to manage surging data traffic and support data-heavy digital services such..

Next Story
Building Material

GPT Infra Commissions New Steel Girder Plant Near Kolkata

GPT Infraprojects announced the successful commissioning of its steel girder and components manufacturing facility in West Bengal on April 24, 2025. Located in Village Majinan, Hooghly district—about 60 km from Kolkata—the plant begins operations with an initial capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA). The company stated that the facility is in the process of securing RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation) approval for manufacturing steel bridge girders. Once approved, this unit is expected to become a key asset for the company’s steel bridge segment, catering to c..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?