New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) The public sector powerhouse, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has fulfilled the complete requirement of special-grade steel for the INS Androth, which was commissioned into the Indian Navy on Monday. This event marks a significant achievement in India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector.

INS Androth is the second vessel in the series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) corvettes, following the commissioning of INS Arnala on June 18 of this year.

SAIL has provided the entire quantity of special-grade steel, including HR sheets and plates, for eight ASW-SWC vessels, which includes INS Arnala and INS Androth, being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE).

The steel was sourced from SAIL’s facilities in Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela. The commissioning of INS Androth highlights India’s expanding maritime capabilities and reinforces the nation’s commitment to “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, as stated by SAIL.

Additionally, SAIL supplied 8,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for advanced frontline warships INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, which were inducted into the Indian Navy fleet in August.

SAIL played a pivotal role in the construction of these advanced frigates for the Indian Navy, collaborating with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) to deliver essential critical-grade hot-rolled sheets and plates from its Bokaro, Bhilai, and Rourkela Steel Plants.

By developing and supplying critical-grade steel for the Indian Navy, SAIL significantly contributes to import substitution and defence self-reliance, directly supporting the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives, thereby reducing India’s reliance on imported special quality steel for defence needs.

The Special Plate Plant at RSP alone has provided over 100,000 tonnes of critical-grade steel for various defence applications, including tanks, warships, and missiles.

The induction of INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri powerfully showcases the strength and depth of a fully indigenous defence ecosystem, from foundational steel to intricate design and dedicated crew.

SAIL's long-standing partnership with the Indian defence sector is well-established, with a proud history of supplying critical-grade steel for iconic vessels such as INS Vikrant, INS Nilgiri, INS Ajay, INS Nistar, INS Vindhyagiri, and INS Surat, among others. This unwavering commitment reinforces SAIL’s reputation as a trusted national manufacturer and a key partner in the ongoing naval modernization efforts, as highlighted in the SAIL statement.