New Delhi, 06/08/2025: Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has once again reinforced its role as a cornerstone in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by supplying high-grade steel for two landmark naval vessels, INS Ajay and INS Nistar. This contribution marks a significant leap in the country’s maritime self-reliance and defence preparedness.
In July 2025, SAIL provided the full requirement of specialized DMR-grade steel plates for INS Ajay, the last in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) vessels constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE). Designed for stealth and agility, INS Ajay represents the culmination of an indigenous project aimed at bolstering India’s shallow water combat capabilities. SAIL’s advanced steel ensures the vessel’s structural strength and stealth performance, essential for anti-submarine missions.
In parallel, SAIL also supplied critical-grade steel for INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), commissioned by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL). This state-of-the-art vessel is expected to play a pivotal role in submarine rescue operations, deep-sea diving missions, and prolonged underwater surveillance and patrolling. Its commissioning signifies a major technological stride in undersea support capabilities.
“SAIL’s commitment to powering India’s naval strength underscores its strategic support to national defence goals and its integral role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the company said in a statement. “With every tonne of steel, SAIL continues to forge the backbone of India’s maritime readiness and defence resilience.”
These contributions go beyond material supply—they are part of a larger narrative of industrial collaboration and indigenous innovation. As India aims for greater self-sufficiency in defence production, SAIL’s ongoing partnerships with naval shipyards position it as a key enabler in turning policy into performance.
By delivering high-performance steel for complex naval applications, SAIL is not only supporting shipbuilding projects but also helping define the next era of Indian maritime strength—resilient, self-reliant, and strategically agile.
