New Delhi: The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU and India’s leading steelmaker, continues to cement its role as a cornerstone of the nation’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. In July 2025, SAIL marked another milestone by supplying critical-grade steel for two major naval platforms — INS Ajay and INS Nistar, enhancing India’s maritime and strategic capabilities.
INS Ajay: Completing the ASW-SWC Series
INS Ajay, launched by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), is the eighth and final ship in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series. Built under the Indian Navy’s ‘Make in India’ push, the vessel represents a culmination of indigenous design, engineering, and materials.
SAIL played a vital role by supplying 100% of the DMR (Defence Marine Requirement) grade steel plates used in the construction of INS Ajay. These plates are crucial for ensuring stealth features, shock resistance, and long-term seaworthiness in naval conditions.
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INS Nistar: India’s First Indigenous Diving Support Vessel
In another major boost to defence indigenization, INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV), was commissioned by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL).
SAIL once again emerged as the key material supplier, providing the entire volume of special-grade steel plates used in the construction of the vessel. INS Nistar is designed to support submarine rescue missions, deep-sea diving, and underwater engineering operations — tasks that require robust materials to withstand immense pressures and complex underwater environments.
SAIL: Backbone of Maritime Defence Readiness
With these recent contributions, SAIL reinforces its critical role in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, specifically in the strategic defence manufacturing sector. The PSU’s capabilities in producing high-strength and specialized steel for defence vessels reflect India’s growing self-reliance in critical technologies and materials.
“Each tonne of steel we supply is a step toward self-reliance, strategic strength, and maritime readiness,” SAIL said in a statement, highlighting its unwavering commitment to India’s national security imperatives.
About SAIL
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is a major Indian government-owned steel producer, and one of the country’s largest Maharatna Public Sector Enterprises. It operates five integrated steel plants and three special steel plants, producing a wide range of steel products. SAIL is a key player in India’s iron and steel industry, with a significant production capacity and a large employee base.
