Business
24 Jun, 2026
Defence-grade steel for three newly commissioned Navy vessels supplied by SAIL
Business To Business, Bhubaneshwar, 24th June, 2026: Three units of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), including the Rourkela Steel Plant, supplied the entire requirement of 5,700 tonnes of special defence-grade steel used in three recently commissioned vessels of the Indian Navy, according to an official statement released on Wednesday.
SAIL Plants Involved
The defence-grade steel was supplied by SAIL's facilities at:
- Rourkela Steel Plant
- Bokaro Steel Plant
- Bhilai Steel Plant
Navy Vessels Covered
The steel was used in the construction of:
- INS Dunagiri
- INS Agray
- INS Sanshodhak
These vessels are designed for a range of naval operations, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and hydrographic surveying.
Significance for Defence Manufacturing
The supply highlights India's growing capability to produce specialized steel required for advanced defence platforms domestically.
Defence-grade steel must meet stringent requirements related to:
- Strength and durability
- Corrosion resistance
- Weldability
- Performance under demanding maritime conditions
The development aligns with the government's emphasis on self-reliance in defence production under the broader "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.
Commissioning Ceremony
The three vessels were commissioned into the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony held on June 21 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
The successful supply of all required steel by SAIL's domestic facilities underscores the increasing role of Indian industry in supporting the country's defence modernization and indigenous shipbuilding programmes.