New Delhi: The Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has transferred three advanced materials technologies to Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), according to an official DRDO announcement.
The technologies cover manufacturing of DMR-249A and DMR-249BK grade steel billets, along with DMR-249B steel plates. The move is expected to strengthen India’s domestic capability to manufacture critical materials required by the naval defence sector.
Details of DRDO SAIL Naval Steel Technology Transfer
According to DRDO, manufacturing technologies for DMR-249A and DMR-249BK grade steel billets have been transferred to SAIL’s Alloy Steels Plant in Durgapur.
These specialised billets are intended for use in the construction of naval ships and submarines, making them important materials for India’s maritime defence programmes.
DRDO’s official Transfer of Technology (ToT) database also lists DMR-249A grade steel billets for naval applications as a DMRL technology. The technology was published on the portal on July 10, 2026.
DMR-249B Steel Plate Technology also Transferred
DMRL has also transferred the manufacturing technology for DMR-249B steel plates with thickness ranging from 8 mm to 30 mm.
According to DRDO, this technology has been transferred to SAIL’s Alloy Steels Plant in Durgapur and Rourkela Steel Plant. These steel plates are designed for specialised naval construction.
DRDO’s official technology database confirms that DMR-249B plates in the 8-30 mm thickness range are classified as a DMRL technology for naval applications. The database lists four licences for this technology.
Why are DMR-grade steels important for the Indian Navy
DMR-grade steels are specialised defence steels developed to meet demanding requirements of naval platforms. SAIL’s official records show that DMR-249A is already used for Indian defence and naval programmes. SAIL says the steel was developed for the Indian Navy in collaboration with DMRL and has stringent toughness requirements at sub-zero temperatures.
This is important because naval ships and submarines operate in demanding marine environments where structural materials need to meet strict performance standards.
SAIL already supplies DMR-249A steel for Indian naval ships
The technology transfer builds on an existing partnership between DRDO and SAIL in indigenous defence steel production.
In June 2026, SAIL announced that it had supplied the entire 5,700 tonnes of special steel required for three Indian Navy vessels — INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak.
The supply included DMR-249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates manufactured at SAIL’s Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela steel plants.
SAIL has also previously supplied DMR-249A steel for Indian naval platforms, including the anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette INS Kiltan.
Who handed over the DRDO SAIL Naval Steel Technology Transfer Agreement
According to DRDO’s announcement, Dr R V Hara Prasad, DG (Naval Systems & Materials), handed over the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) to SAIL.
The agreement was handed over in the presence of Dr R Balamuralikrishnan, Director, DMRL. DRDO’s official publications also identify Dr R Balamuralikrishnan as Director of DMRL.
What does the DRDO-SAIL technology transfer mean for India
The development is significant because it expands India’s ability to manufacture strategic naval materials domestically.
Domestic manufacturing can reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical defence materials while building a stronger industrial supply chain for future Indian naval projects. DRDO itself described the transfer as an important milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous materials capabilities for strategic defence applications.
The wider significance can already be seen in DRDO’s technology portfolio. Its official ToT database includes several DMR-grade steels for naval applications, including DMR-249A sheets and plates as well as DMR-249B plates.
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