SAIL supplies critical-grade steel plates for INS Ajay and INS Nistar

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), India’s premier Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking and largest steel producer, has once again demonstrated its pivotal role in supporting the country’s defence indigenization efforts. In July 2025, SAIL supplied specialized, critical-grade steel plates for two landmark naval vessels — INS Ajay and INS Nistar — underscoring its strategic contribution to enhancing India’s maritime defence capabilities.

Supplying High-Quality Steel for Indigenous Naval Vessels

For INS Ajay, the eighth and final ship in the indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series, SAIL provided the entire quantity of DMR grade steel plates. Manufactured by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), INS Ajay’s construction demanded steel that not only ensured structural integrity but also enhanced stealth performance critical for modern naval operations.

INS Ajay plays a crucial role in shallow water anti-submarine warfare, equipped to detect and neutralize underwater threats, thus strengthening India’s coastal security architecture.

In parallel, SAIL supplied the entire quantity of special-grade steel plates for INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV). Delivered by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL), INS Nistar is a technologically advanced vessel designed to support submarine rescue missions, deep-sea diving operations, and sustained patrolling duties.

Strategic Significance of INS Nistar

INS Nistar represents a major milestone in India’s naval capabilities, filling a critical gap in underwater support and rescue infrastructure. Its deployment enhances the Indian Navy’s operational readiness, particularly in submarine rescue scenarios—a vital capability given the expanding submarine fleet.

The use of SAIL’s specialized steel ensures that INS Nistar meets the stringent safety and durability standards required for extreme marine conditions and underwater missions.

SAIL’s Role in Atmanirbhar Bharat and Defence Indigenization

SAIL’s involvement in supplying critical steel grades for these vessels aligns directly with the Government of India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), especially in the defence sector. By enabling indigenous shipbuilding with homegrown materials, SAIL supports national goals of reducing import dependence and fostering domestic technological advancements.

The company’s commitment to producing high-quality DMR steel and other specialized grades illustrates its ability to meet stringent defence specifications. This positions SAIL not only as a steel supplier but also as a key partner in strengthening India’s strategic and industrial base.

Building India’s Maritime Defence Backbone

With every tonne of steel supplied for naval shipbuilding, SAIL contributes to forging the backbone of India’s maritime readiness and defence resilience. The company’s support extends beyond quantity to encompass quality, innovation, and reliability—elements essential to constructing vessels capable of operating in challenging and high-stakes environments.

The successful delivery of steel for INS Ajay and INS Nistar further cements SAIL’s reputation as an indispensable enabler of India’s naval modernization, ensuring the country’s armed forces remain equipped with cutting-edge indigenous platforms.

Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Defence Infrastructure

SAIL remains committed to expanding its role in national defence by continuously upgrading its steel production capabilities to cater to evolving requirements of naval and other defence platforms. Future projects are expected to benefit from SAIL’s expertise in producing advanced steel grades that comply with international standards and stringent defence protocols.

The company’s strategic partnerships with premier shipyards such as GRSE and HSL highlight an integrated approach to defence manufacturing, combining indigenous materials, design innovation, and manufacturing excellence.