SAIL Powers Navy’s New Frigates with 8,000 Tonnes of Critical Steel

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has once again reinforced its role in India’s defense sector by supplying around 8,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for the Indian Navy’s two newly commissioned frontline frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. The warships were inducted into service on Tuesday in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The Maharatna steelmaker partnered with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) to provide specialized hot-rolled sheets and plates. The steel, produced at SAIL’s Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela plants, was specifically developed to meet the demanding requirements of modern naval warfare.

Officials said the use of indigenous steel not only underlines India’s capability in advanced shipbuilding but also marks a significant step toward import substitution. “By developing and supplying critical-grade steel for these frigates, SAIL is directly contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, reducing dependency on imported defense-grade steel,” a senior official noted.

SAIL’s Special Plate Plant at Rourkela alone has supplied over 1 lakh tonnes of critical-grade steel for defense applications over the years, including tanks, warships, and missiles. The company has earlier supplied steel for landmark naval projects such as INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, INS Arnala, INS Vindhyagiri, and INS Surat.

The commissioning of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri is being seen as a milestone in India’s naval modernization drive. Both ships are part of Project 17A, designed to strengthen the Navy’s blue-water capabilities.

Defence experts highlight that the collaboration between SAIL and domestic shipbuilders is central to building a fully indigenous defense ecosystem. From the base steel to the complex design and manpower, every stage of the two frigates showcases India’s growing self-reliance in defense production.

With its consistent supply of critical-grade steel, SAIL has cemented its role as a trusted partner of the armed forces. As India accelerates its naval expansion, the company is expected to play an even bigger role in equipping the country’s warships with indigenously produced materials.