SAIL Supplies 5,700 Tonnes of Defence-Grade Steel for Three New Indian Navy Vessels

State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the entire requirement of 5,700 tonnes of specialised defence-grade steel used in three recently commissioned Indian Navy vessels, reinforcing India's push towards self-reliance in strategic manufacturing.

According to an official statement, SAIL's plants at Rourkela, Bokaro and Bhilai supplied the steel for the stealth frigate INS Dunagiri , the anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft INS Agray , and the survey vessel (large) INS Sanshodhak . The vessels were commissioned into the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony at Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port on June 21.

SAIL said it has emerged as a key contributor to India's defence indigenisation programme through the production of specialised steel for critical naval platforms. To meet rising demand from the defence sector, the company expanded the production capacity of DMR-grade steel plates , particularly at the Special Plate Plant of the Rourkela Steel Plant.

The development highlights the growing role of India's domestic steel industry in reducing dependence on imported defence materials. Industry observers note that indigenous production of high-grade steel not only strengthens national security but also enhances technological capabilities across the country's manufacturing ecosystem. The expanding demand for specialised defence steel is expected to create new opportunities for domestic suppliers, support advanced metallurgical research, and deepen the integration of India's defence supply chain.

SAIL has previously supplied specialised steel for the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Project 17A stealth frigates INS Nilgiri , INS Himgiri , and INS Udaygiri , among other naval platforms.

SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda said the supply of high-strength DMR 249A steel plates reflects the company's technological expertise and commitment to strengthening India's strategic self-reliance.