Rourkela: The Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has received indigenous technology for manufacturing DMR-249B defence-grade steel plates from the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The technology transfer is expected to strengthen India’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported specialised steel used in naval construction.
DMR-249B Technology Transferred Under LAToT Agreement
Under the Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT), DMRL has transferred the manufacturing technology for DMR-249B steel plates in the 8-30 mm thickness range to:
- SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP).
- Alloy Steel Plant (ASP), Durgapur.
The high-strength steel plates are designed for specialised applications in naval construction and are expected to support India’s growing indigenous defence production ecosystem.
DMR-249A and DMR-249BK Billet Technology Also Transferred
Along with DMR-249B steel plate technology, DMRL has also transferred the manufacturing technology for DMR-249A and DMR-249BK grade steel billets to Alloy Steel Plant, Durgapur.
These specialised steel billets are intended for use in the construction of:
- Naval ships.
- Submarines.
- Other specialised defence applications.
The technology transfer enables SAIL’s facilities to manufacture critical grades of steel required for India’s naval and defence sectors.
Technology Transfer Documents Handed Over to SAIL
The technology transfer agreement was handed over by DRDO officials to SAIL representatives in Hyderabad on July 21, 2026.
Subsequently, the LAToT documents were formally handed over to RSP Executive Director (Works) B. R. Palai during a function organised at the Rourkela Steel Plant on July 29, 2026.The development marks an important step towards strengthening cooperation between India’s defence research ecosystem and domestic steel manufacturers.
DMR-249B Steel Developed for Naval Shipbuilding
Developed indigenously by DMRL, DMR-249B is a high-strength, low-alloy structural steel specifically designed for naval shipbuilding.
The specialised steel offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, which can help in developing:
- Lighter hull structures.
- Stronger and more resilient warships.
- Advanced submarines.
- Other combat vessels.
The use of domestically developed and manufactured defence-grade steel is expected to support India’s efforts to achieve greater self-reliance in critical defence technologies and materials.
Boost to India’s Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The transfer of DMR-249B technology to SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant and Alloy Steel Plant is significant for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation efforts.
By enabling domestic production of specialised steel grades, the initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen the country’s supply chain for strategic defence materials.
The technology could also support the growing requirements of India’s naval shipbuilding sector by ensuring access to specialised steel manufactured within the country.
About SAIL’s Rourkela Steel Plant
Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) is one of India’s major integrated steel plants and a flagship unit of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Located in Rourkela, Odisha, the plant produces a wide range of specialised steel products for sectors including infrastructure, engineering, railways and defence. Its involvement in the manufacture of advanced defence-grade steel highlights its role in supporting India’s strategic and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Read also: SAIL Q1 FY27 Results: Net Profit Jumps 138% to ₹1,636 Crore, EBITDA Rises 49% on Strong Performance
