Indian small arms manufacturer Dvipa Defence has confirmed in a social media post that its indigenous UGRAM U-51 assault rifle will be supplied to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) after successfully completing a series of trials conducted by the home ministry.
The Times of India quoted Dvipa Defence Director Hitesh Manchanda as saying, "We have already dispatched the rifle to NSG, ITEP and CRPF, and will be dispatching the orders to the Sashastra Seema Bal next week."
The 7.62x51 mm calibre UGRAM U-51 is Dvipa Defence's flagship rifle, developed jointly with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory, for India's defence and armed police forces.
The rifle cleared the Army's General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) trials, field evaluations conducted in varied climatic conditions and the MHA board trials before being cleared for induction.
According to the company, the CAPFs found the rifle performed exceptionally well not only in GSQR parameters but also rated it superior to its peers in terms of handling, functionality and ergonomics.
Although the UGRAM U-51 can be used as an assault rifle, it is technically classified as a battle rifle.
The company says it offers an effective range of 500 metres, compared with the approximately 350-yard accuracy of the AK-47, giving it greater engagement capability at longer distances.
The rifle weighs 4 kg and has an overall length of 95 cm, making it relatively easy to handle despite firing the more powerful 7.62x51 mm cartridge.
It operates using a gas-operated rotating bolt mechanism and has a minimum rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute.
The UGRAM U-51 is equipped with Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions for mounting accessories and features iron open sights with an engagement range of 100-500 metres, the company states.
It offers safe, single-shot and full-auto firing modes, uses a 20-round magazine, and can be fitted with accessories such as a bayonet, sling and foregrip.
