The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has reinforced India’s stride towards defence self-reliance by supplying nearly 8,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for two indigenously built stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. The simultaneous commissioning of these frontline warships into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on August 26, 2025, marks an unprecedented milestone in domestic shipbuilding.
For the first time, two Project 17A surface combatants, constructed by separate shipyards—Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata—were inducted into service together. SAIL’s contribution was sourced through its Bokaro, Rourkela, and Bhilai plants, underlining the company’s strategic role in supplying specialised steel critical for advanced naval applications. Officials noted that this achievement is a major step in import substitution for defence infrastructure, significantly reducing India’s dependence on imported high-quality steel. It also exemplifies the objectives of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, highlighting the country’s capacity to develop complex defence assets domestically.
Experts in defence manufacturing emphasised that critical-grade steel forms the backbone of stealth frigate construction, providing the necessary strength, durability, and resilience against extreme maritime conditions. The steel supplied by SAIL ensures that the vessels meet international standards while supporting indigenous technological capabilities. “The simultaneous induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri reflects not only operational efficiency but also the maturity of India’s defence production ecosystem,” said a senior naval official. “It demonstrates how coordinated efforts between shipyards, steel producers, and strategic defence authorities can fast-track operational readiness.”
SAIL’s strategic steel supply has broader economic and technological implications. By providing domestic alternatives for specialised materials, the company reduces foreign dependency, supports local industry, and strengthens the nation’s manufacturing base. Analysts believe this development will encourage further investments in indigenous naval technologies and enhance India’s standing in global defence manufacturing. The successful commissioning of these frigates also highlights the importance of collaboration between public sector units in achieving national defence objectives. As naval modernization accelerates, SAIL’s steel contribution underscores its role as a key enabler in realising India’s vision of a technologically advanced and self-reliant navy.
With the Project 17A stealth frigates now operational, India strengthens its maritime security while demonstrating the value of integrating domestic industrial capabilities with defence strategy. Observers note that the lessons learned from this collaboration could serve as a template for future large-scale defence manufacturing projects, combining advanced material science with indigenous engineering.
