SAIL Powers Indian Navy’s New Warships with 5,700 Tonnes of Indigenous Defence Steel
INS Dunagiri, Agray and Sanshodhak Built Entirely with SAIL-Supplied Special Steel
New Delhi: Reinforcing its role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the entire 5,700 tonnes of specialised defence-grade steel used in the construction of three newly commissioned Indian Navy vessels — INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak.
The warships were formally inducted into the Indian Navy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony held at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata on June 21.
Indigenous Steel for Strategic Assets
SAIL supplied high-performance DMR 249A-grade hot-rolled plates and sheets, specially designed for naval applications. The steel was produced at the company’s Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela steel plants, highlighting India’s growing capability to manufacture critical defence materials domestically.
The three vessels include an advanced stealth frigate, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft, and a large survey vessel—key additions to India’s maritime defence and surveillance capabilities.
SAIL Powers India’s Naval Might: Supplies Defense-Grade Steel for INS Dunagiri, Agray, and Sanshodhak
Read More: https://t.co/MA5CySZybV pic.twitter.com/Uu24YfVfwE
— Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) (@SAILsteel) June 24, 2026
Boost to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
The supply marks another milestone in India’s defence indigenisation programme under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. SAIL has been steadily expanding production of DMR-grade steel plates, particularly at the Special Plate Plant of the Rourkela Steel Plant, to meet the increasing requirements of the armed forces.
The move is also helping reduce dependence on imported defence-grade steel and strengthening the country’s strategic self-reliance.
Strengthening India’s maritime capabilities through indigenous steel. 🇮🇳
SAIL supplied the entire quantity of special-grade steel plates for INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel. Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, the vessel supports… pic.twitter.com/kDRsEm3Ins
— Ministry of Steel (@SteelMinIndia) June 24, 2026
Strong Defence Legacy
SAIL has previously supplied specialised steel for several prestigious naval projects, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and Project 17A stealth frigates INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri, and INS Udaygiri.
Its defence-grade steel is also used in frontline naval platforms such as INS Ajay, INS Nistar, and INS Anjadip.
SAIL Reaffirms Defence Commitment
SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok Kumar Panda said the company remains committed to supporting India’s self-reliance goals in the defence sector. He noted that enhanced production of DMR-grade steel plates reflects SAIL’s focus on meeting future defence requirements while strengthening the country’s strategic autonomy.
