New Delhi: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, has played a key role in strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities by supplying special-grade steel for three newly commissioned Indian Navy vessels.
The announcement highlights SAIL’s continued contribution to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and its support for indigenous shipbuilding under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
5,700 Tonnes of Special Steel Supplied for Naval Ships
SAIL supplied a total of 5,700 tonnes of defence-grade steel for three advanced naval platforms:
- Stealth frigate INS Dunagiri
- Anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft INS Agray
- Survey vessel (large) INS Sanshodhak
These vessels were commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 21, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inducted the ships into service.
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DMR 249A Grade Steel Used in Naval Construction
The steel supplied by SAIL includes special quality DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates, which are specifically designed for defence applications.
This high-strength steel was manufactured at SAIL’s major production units:
- Bokaro Steel Plant
- Bhilai Steel Plant
- Rourkela Steel Plant
The supply reflects the company’s advanced metallurgical capabilities and its role in supporting critical defence infrastructure.
Strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Self-Reliance
SAIL emphasized that its contribution aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. The company has been steadily increasing its capacity to produce DMR-grade steel for naval and defence applications.
Key developments include:
- Expansion of production capacity for defence-grade plates
- Focus on Special Plate Plant at Rourkela Steel Plant
- Increased import substitution in defence steel requirements
Strong Track Record in Indigenous Naval Projects
SAIL has consistently supplied steel for several major indigenous naval and defence projects, including:
- Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
- Project 17A stealth frigates: INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, INS Udaygiri
- Naval vessels such as INS Ajay, INS Nistar, and INS Anjadeep
These contributions highlight SAIL’s long-standing partnership with India’s defence shipbuilding programmes.
CMD Statement on Strategic Importance
SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda stated that the company remains committed to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
He highlighted that enhanced production capacity for DMR-grade plates, particularly at the Rourkela Special Plate Plant, ensures timely delivery of high-strength materials required for critical defence projects.
Statement from SAIL Leadership
SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda highlighted the company’s commitment to national defence and technological advancement.
He stated that SAIL remains dedicated to supporting India’s self-reliance goals and has significantly expanded its capacity to produce DMR-grade plates, especially at the Rourkela facility. He further emphasized that supplying high-strength steel for critical defence platforms helps ensure India’s strategic independence while showcasing SAIL’s technological expertise.
About SAIL
Steel Authority of India Limited (Steel Authority of India Limited) is a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel. It is one of India’s largest steel producers and plays a key role in supplying high-quality steel for infrastructure, industrial, and defence applications, supporting the country’s long-term economic and strategic development.
