State-run Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) announced on Tuesday that it has delivered about 8,000 tonnes of special-grade steel for the Indian Navy’s advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. Both ships were formally commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The two multi-role surface combatants are part of the Navy’s cutting-edge Project 17A and mark the first time that two major warships, built at different shipyards, have been commissioned together. According to SAIL, the steel was supplied from its Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela plants.
The company emphasized that this effort strengthens India’s defense self-reliance by reducing dependence on imported specialty steel, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ missions. SAIL has previously supplied critical steel for several naval platforms including aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and warships such as INS Nilgiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, INS Arnala, INS Vindhyagiri, and INS Surat.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is one of India’s largest steel producers and a key player in the country’s industrial growth. A Maharatna public sector enterprise, SAIL operates multiple integrated and special steel plants across India, producing a diverse range of high-quality steel products catering to sectors such as infrastructure, construction, railways, defense, and automotive industries.
Headquartered in New Delhi, the company has a strong focus on modernization, sustainability, and technological advancements to enhance production efficiency and environmental responsibility. With a rich legacy spanning decades, SAIL continues to be a pillar of India’s self-reliance in steel production, supporting the nation’s development while expanding its global footprint through exports.
