SAIL Supplies 8,000 Tonnes of Special Steel for Navy’s New Stealth Frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri

New Delhi / Visakhapatnam, August 26, 2025 — The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s naval power by supplying around 8,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for the newly commissioned stealth frigates INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the two advanced warships at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, marking a historic moment for the Indian Navy.

Twin Commissioning Milestone

This is the first time in India’s naval history that two frontline warships, built at different shipyards, were commissioned simultaneously. INS Udaygiri was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai, while INS Himgiri was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

Both belong to the Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) stealth frigates, displacing about 6,700 tonnes each and equipped with advanced technologies to reduce radar and infrared signatures. Their arsenal includes BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, close-in weapon systems, and a cutting-edge sensor suite including MF-STAR radar and HUMSA-NG sonar.

Notably, INS Udaygiri is also the 100th warship designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau, showcasing five decades of indigenous warship design expertise.

SAIL’s Critical Contribution

The 8,000 tonnes of special steel were supplied from SAIL’s plants in Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela. The company emphasized that by developing such critical-grade steel domestically, it is directly contributing to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives. This achievement significantly reduces India’s dependence on imported special steels for defense production.

Over the years, SAIL has provided steel for several major naval assets including INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, INS Arnala, INS Vindhyagiri, and INS Surat. Special grades such as DMR 249A steel plates from the Bokaro Steel Plant have strengthened many of these vessels, enhancing their stealth, resilience, and endurance.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Industry

The Project 17A frigates feature over 75% indigenous content and are supported by a network of more than 200 MSMEs, reflecting India’s expanding domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem. The program has also created nearly 4,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs, further boosting the national economy.

Speaking at the commissioning, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the warships as “unparalleled guardians of the sea,” adding that they symbolize India’s growing ability to produce complex frontline combatants independently.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Edge

With their cutting-edge weaponry and stealth features, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet and strengthen maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region. Their induction reflects not just technological progress but also the strategic synergy between Indian shipyards, the Navy, and SAIL in building a self-reliant defense framework.