Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied 5,700 tonnes of special DMR 249A grade steel for three newly commissioned Indian Navy vessels — INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak. The supply underscores SAIL’s growing role in strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Key Highlights
🔹 SAIL supplied 5,700 tonnes of special defence-grade steel for three Indian Navy vessels.
🔹 The steel comprised DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates produced at Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela steel plants.
🔹 The steel was used in INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak, recently commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
🔹 SAIL continues to support indigenous defence projects under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
New Delhi: State-owned Maharatna steel giant Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied 5,700 tonnes of special steel for three newly commissioned Indian Navy vessels, further strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime capability development.
The three naval platforms — INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak — were commissioned into the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony held at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
According to SAIL, the steel supplied for these naval vessels comprised special quality DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates, manufactured at its Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela steel plants. The company said the supply demonstrates its advanced technological capabilities in producing specialised defence-grade steel required for strategic maritime platforms.
The steelmaker has been steadily expanding the production of DMR-grade steel plates to meet the growing requirements of India’s defence sector, particularly through the Special Plate Plant at Rourkela Steel Plant. These efforts align with the government’s vision of building a self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem and reducing dependence on imports.
SAIL has played a crucial role in several indigenous naval projects over the years. The company previously supplied specialised steel for India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, as well as Project 17A stealth frigates INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri. Its defence-grade steel has also been used in naval platforms including INS Ajay, INS Nistar and INS Anjadeep.
SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda reaffirmed the company’s commitment to India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance goals. He said that supplying high-strength DMR 249A steel plates not only strengthens India’s strategic independence but also showcases SAIL’s technological excellence in producing world-class specialised steel.
The induction of the three naval vessels marks another significant milestone in India’s journey towards strengthening maritime security through indigenous manufacturing, advanced technology and domestic industrial capabilities.
Conclusion
The supply of 5,700 tonnes of specialised defence-grade steel for three newly commissioned Indian Navy vessels reinforces SAIL’s strategic role in India’s defence sector. As the country accelerates its Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, indigenous steel production will remain a critical pillar in strengthening national security and maritime capabilities.
