STEEL Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has strengthened India’s naval capabilities by supplying the entire 5,700 tonnes of special defence-grade steel used in three newly-commissioned Indian Navy vessels—INS Dunagiri, INS Agray and INS Sanshodhak. The ships were commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 21, 2026, at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The steel supplied by SAIL included special quality DMR 249A grade hot-rolled sheets and plates manufactured at its Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela Steel Plants. The specialised steel is designed to meet the stringent requirements of modern naval platforms and reflects SAIL’s growing role in India’s defence manufacturing sector. SAIL has been actively supporting the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by producing indigenous defence-grade steel for critical military projects.

 

The company has enhanced production of DMR grade plates, particularly at the Special Plate Plant of Rourkela Steel Plant, to meet the increasing requirements of the defence sector. SAIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda said the company remains committed to strengthening India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He noted that the supply of high-strength DMR 249A steel for the three naval vessels highlights SAIL’s advanced technological capabilities and contribution to the nation’s strategic independence. SAIL has earlier supplied specialised steel for major defence projects, including INS Vikrant and several Project 17A stealth frigates.