Technology Development Board (TDB) Supports dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. in Strengthening India’s Small Arms Manufacturing Ecosystem
In the grand tapestry of Indian defense, small arms manufacturing stands as a vital component, playing a pivotal role in national security, counter-terrorism, and modernizing our armed forces. This week, we are thrilled to share that the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), through its prestigious Technology Development Board (TDB), has supported dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. (DVPIL) in advancing their efforts to strengthen India’s small arms manufacturing ecosystem. DVPIL has taken a significant step toward homing in on their role as an indigenized player in the defense sector, aligning with the country’s strategic goals and ensuring its future readiness.
The Importance of Small Arms Manufacturing in India
Smallarms are the backbone of modern armed forces in India, providing essential combat effectiveness that cannot be matched by older, larger weapons. However, over the years, small arms manufacturing has faced significant challenges due to competing demands from both domestic and international markets. Older, imported small arms, along with foreign exchange surpluses, have compounded the complexities for manufacturers like dvipa. This is why TDB has taken a bold step to support DVPIL in developing their own, indigenous smallarms.
The DIPAK project: Unleashing Potential
Dipak (the project’s name) is an ambitious initiative aimed at developing a state-of-the-art, fully indigenous assault rifle known as the UGRAM Rifle. This rifle, developed by dvipa through a partnership with DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, will serve not only as a key component in the defense ecosystem but also as a model for world-class manufacturing. The project aims to produce high-performance, reliable, and interoperable smallarms that can meet the modern needs of armed forces, paramilitary units, and special forces.
The DIPAK project represents a significant step forward in India’s commitment to strategic autonomy. By developing smallarms from Indian soil, dvipa is aligning with the country’s goal of self-reliance while also paves the way for import substitution and future exports through trusted strategic partnerships. This initiative not only strengthens TDB-DST’s resolve to manufacture for the forces but also ensures that India can remain a dominant player in the global defense market.
dvipa’s Role in the DIPAK Project
dvipa is one of the early license holders for smallarms production, and their partnership with ARDE has been instrumental in this process. Through their extensive development program, five prototypes were successfully tested at ARDE, demonstrating exceptional execution and capabilities. The UGRAM Rifle, as it will be called, is designed to meet the needs of counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terror (CT) operations by chambered in 7.62 mm x 51 mm NATO-grade ammunition.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, highlighted the importance of this initiative under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ policies. He emphasized that dvipa’s support for DVPIL is not just about manufacturing – it is about aligning with India’s strategic autonomy and paves the way for future exports through trusted strategic partnerships.
The Impact of this Support
The success of the DIPAK project has been widely recognized. DVPIL, now a dominant player in the defense manufacturing sector, has demonstrated that innovation and excellence can overcome historical and economic challenges. Their partnership with TDB-DST is not just about developing smallarms – it’s about ensuring that India remains a global leader in defense technology.
For the readers of this blog, we hope to see more stories of how smallarm manufacturers like dvipa contribute to our country’s future. The story of DVPIL and their DIPAK project serves as an inspiration for all who believe in the power of innovation, strategic alignment, and a commitment to national security.
In conclusion, the journey toward India’s small arms manufacturing ecosystem is one of resilience, innovation, and mutual learning. Through initiatives like DIPAK, dvipa and TDB-DST are not only strengthening their resolve but also paving the way for future success. We look forward to seeing how this support continues to shape India’s defense future.