Indian Army DRDO Ugram Rifle vs Pakistan Army CW-56 Rifle Full Comparison
Infantry rifles play a crucial important role for ground forces in modern warfare; consequently, nations continuously manufacture powerful, long-range rifles to bolster their ground defenses. Two major Asian nations—India and Pakistan—are at the forefront of this sector, with both focusing on indigenous small-arms programs to meet their respective defense requirements.
So In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison between the Indian Army's DRDO Ugram Rifle and the Pakistan Army's CW-56 Rifle. The comparison focuses on the key differences between the two rifles, including their development, caliber, operating system, design, weight, magazine capacity, effective range, and suitability for different combat situations.
India's DRDO Ugram Rifle :
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| DRDO Ugram Rifle |
Indian DRDO Ugram is India's indigenous 7.62×51mm assault/battle rifle, developed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in collaboration with the Hyderabad-based Dvipa Armour India Private Limited. The rifle has been developed keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police.
According to DRDO, UGRAM is a modular, ergonomically designed rifle intended for counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations.
If we talk about its development and history, the Ugram project was fast-tracked in late 2023. The rifle was designed and its prototype developed through a collaboration between ARDE and Dvipa- Armour.
According to available reports on the DRDO Ugram, its first operational prototype was publicly unveiled in January 2024. A key achievement was the rifle's rapid development, with its design and prototype reportedly completed in approximately 100 days.
The Ugram rifle was developed keeping in mind the Indian Army's General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR). Its objective was to provide a modern, indigenous rifle that would strengthen India's small-arms manufacturing capability and help reduce dependency on foreign-origin rifles.
As for its 2026 current status, a significant milestone in the development of the Ugram rifle was achieved in 2026. According to The Times Of India Web reports from July 2026, the rifle has successfully cleared trials conducted by the Indian Army and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This progress has strengthened the possibility of future UGRAM procurement by India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)..
However, the Ugram rifle cannot yet be described as the Indian Army's standard-issue rifle. Although clearing the 2026 trials marks a significant milestone, it does not necessarily mean the rifle has been officially inducted into the Indian Army.
DRDO Ugram Rifle: Specifications
| Specification | DRDO Ugram Rifle |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| Developer | DRDO ARDE + Dvipa Armour India Private Limited |
| Type | Assault / Battle Rifle |
| Calibre | 7.62×51mm |
| Operating System | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Fire Modes | Semi-automatic and automatic |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Weight | Approx. 3.9 kg |
| Overall Length | Approx. 960 mm |
| Barrel Length | Approx. 415 mm |
| Effective Range | Approx. 500 m |
| Sights | Iron sights |
| Intended Role | Military, paramilitary, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations |
Pakistan POF CW-56 Rifle :
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| POF CW-56 Rifle |
The Pakistan POF CW-56 rifle is an indigenous rifle, which is used 5.56x45mm caliber, developed by the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF). It was identified as the "CW-56 Rifle" during POF's 2022 and 2024 development programs. According to available information about the CW-56, the rifle is being developed to meet Pakistan's modern requirements for small arms.
Regarding the history of the CW-56, its development is part of POF's new indigenous small-arms program. The BW20 and BW21 rifles, unveiled publicly in 2021, are also included in the same development programme.
Now if we look on the development and the current status of this POF CW-56 rifle, According to information available as of 2026 indicates that the CW-56 is currently in the development stage. In the Ministry of Defense Production's 2022–2024 Yearbook, said that the CW-56 is listed under POF’s "New Initiatives" category, with a target date of 2027. POF’s Gas-Operated Rifle is also listed in this same category.
Furthermore, it would be inappropriate to present the CW-56's technical details as confirmed specifications. While the 5.56×45mm caliber is associated with the program's name, reliable official data regarding detailed specifications is not publicly available.
POF CW-56 Rifle: Specifications
| Specification | POF CW-56 Rifle |
|---|---|
| Country | Pakistan |
| Developer / Manufacturer | Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) |
| Type | Assault Rifle |
| Calibre | 5.56×45mm NATO |
| Operation | Gas-operated |
| Rate of Fire | 550–650 rounds per minute |
| Effective Range | Up to 400 yards |
| Feed System | 30-round steel magazine, compatible with STANAG magazines |
| Modes of Operation | Semi-automatic and full-automatic |
| Stock | Multi-position telescopic and adjustable stock |
| Rail System | Military Standard 1913 Picatinny rail, compatible with optical, thermal and night-vision sights |
| Development Status | Under Development |
| Target Year | 2027 |
Note: Some detailed CW-56 specifications are based on available reporting and should be treated as reported figures until officially confirmed by POF.
If we compare the both Rifles with each other and looks its difference's, the Indian DRDO Ugram and the Pakistani POF CW-56 are indigenous rifle development programs, yet they target different calibers and design requirements. Specifically, the Ugram is developed in the 7.62×51mm caliber with a reported effective range of 500 meters, whereas the Pakistani CW-56 is a 5.56×45mm caliber rifle program. According to POF available specifications, the CW-56 is being developed with a gas-operated system, semi-automatic and full-automatic firing modes, a 30-round magazine, and a Picatinny rail system.
There are differences between the two rifles regarding caliber, operating system, magazine capacity, effective range, design features, and development status. DRDO unveiled the UGRAM prototype in January 2024, with official records providing further details about its development and testing.
while the CW-56 is listed among Pakistan's POF development programs with a target completion date of 2027. In this comparison, we will examine the available specifications of both rifles side-by-side to understand the differences in their designs and intended roles.
Ugram Rifle vs CW-56 Rifle: Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Ugram Rifle | CW-56 Rifle |
|---|---|---|
| Country | India | Pakistan |
| Developer / Manufacturer | DRDO ARDE + Dvipa Armour India | Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) |
| Type | Assault / Battle Rifle | Assault Rifle |
| Launch / Unveiling Date | 8 January 2024 | Not officially announced |
| Calibre | 7.62×51mm | 5.56×45mm NATO |
| Operating System | Gas-operated, rotating bolt | Gas-operated |
| Fire Modes | Semi-automatic and automatic | Semi-automatic and full-automatic |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rounds per minute | 550–650 rpm* |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds | 30 rounds* |
| Feed System | Detachable magazine | Steel magazine, compatible with STANAG magazines* |
| Effective Range | Approx. 500 m | Up to 400 yards* |
| Weight | Approx. 3.9 kg | Not officially disclosed |
| Barrel Length | Approx. 415 mm | Not officially disclosed |
| Stock | Adjustable / modern ergonomic configuration | Multi-position telescopic and adjustable stock* |
| Rail System | Modern accessory mounting system | MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail* |
| Development Status | Developed; trials and procurement/induction process ongoing | Under development |
| Target Year | — | 2027* |
Note: *CW-56 figures are based on available reported specifications and should be considered approximate until officially confirmed by POF. Ugram specifications are based on DRDO-published information and available technical reporting.
Caliber Differences: Power, Ammunition Weight and Handling:
The difference between the both Indian Army Ugram's 7.62×51mm caliber and the Pakistan POF CW-56's reported 5.56×45mm caliber affects more than the rifles' ammunition dimensions. In general, 7.62×51mm ammunition can offer greater projectile mass and energy, while 5.56×45mm ammunition is lighter, potentially allowing soldiers to carry more rounds for the same ammunition weight.
However, the larger cartridge can also produce greater recoil, which may make rapid follow-up shots more challenging depending on the rifle's design and the shooter's experience.
These are general characteristics of the two ammunition classes, not verified performance results for the Ugram and CW-56 in comparative trials. Since reliable public test data for both rifles under identical conditions is unavailable, caliber alone cannot establish which rifle would perform better in every operational scenario.
So, that was a detailed comparison of both rifles based on available specifications. If you liked this effort, be sure to visit Nextgendefence for more comparisons, updates, and military news.
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