New Delhi: Steel Authority of India’s (SAIL) Bokaro Steel Plant announced on Thursday that it has signed a licensing agreement with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) for the transfer of technology (LAToT). This agreement allows Bokaro Steel Plant to manufacture special-grade steel used in defence applications.
Technology Transfer for Naval Applications
Under this licensing agreement, DRDO has granted Bokaro Steel Plant a non-exclusive licence to utilise the technology for the production of DMR 249A steel sheets specifically for naval applications in India. The steel produced can be supplied to the Indian Armed Forces and other government agencies.
The LAToT was formally received from DMRL Director Dr. R. Balamuralikrishnan in Hyderabad, in the presence of senior defence officials. Representing Bokaro Steel Plant, B. Sunita Minz, S.S. Panigrahy, and Rahul Tiwari received the licence on behalf of the company.
A Milestone in Defence Steel Production
Executive Director (Works) Priya Ranjan described the development as a significant step toward fulfilling the country’s defence sector requirements. He emphasized that Bokaro Steel Plant will continue to support defence production through the development of special-grade steels.
SAIL and DMRL have collaborated for nearly two decades to develop complex metals and materials required for modern warfare. Specifically, the DMR 249A steel developed for naval applications has been produced in over 46,500 tonnes since 2007. This steel has been critical in the construction of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, as well as stealth frigates INS Nilgiri, INS Mahendragiri, and INS Vindhyagiri.
Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing Capabilities
This licensing agreement reflects the shared vision, hard work, and commitment of the Bokaro Steel Plant team to deliver high-quality defence materials. It reinforces the strategic role of public sector units like SAIL in supporting India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
About SAIL
The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of India’s largest public sector steel producers and a leading supplier of high-quality steel for industrial and strategic applications. Established in 1954, SAIL operates multiple integrated steel plants and specialty units, contributing significantly to India’s infrastructure, automotive, and defence sectors.
Read also: SAIL Reports 53% Decline in Q2 FY26 Profit to Rs 418 Crore, Revenue Surges Amid Strong Sales Volume
