The Border Security Force (BSF) is assessing the Ugram rifle, an indigenous 7.62 mm assault weapon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to potentially replace the aging INSAS rifles. The BSF has requested ten Ugram rifles for trial evaluations, reflecting a shift towards larger calibre firearms similar to those being adopted by the Indian Army, which has selected the AK-203 and SIG-716 rifles, both chambered for the 7.62 mm round.
This transition aims to enhance lethality and engagement range, with the Ugram rifle featuring a more effective range of 500 meters and a weight of less than four kilograms. The evaluation seeks to determine the rifle’s accuracy, reliability, and suitability for the demanding conditions faced by border security personnel. The move could significantly impact capability across the approximately 14 lakh armed forces and 10 lakh Central Armed Police Forces personnel that currently rely on the INSAS system.
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