SAIL Supplies Special-Grade Steel
SAIL, India’s largest steelmaking public sector undertaking and a Maharatna company, supplied the entire quantity of special steel required for INS Anjadip. The vessel has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) as part of the Navy’s ASW-SWC programme.
According to official information released by the Press Information Bureau (https://pib.gov.in), SAIL has provided approximately 3,500 tonnes of special-grade steel for eight ASW-SWC corvettes currently under construction by GRSE. The steel was sourced from SAIL’s integrated plants located in Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela, highlighting the depth of India’s industrial capabilities.
Replacing Aging Fleet
The ASW-SWC corvettes are being built to replace the Navy’s aging Abhay-class vessels. These modern shallow water craft are designed to enhance India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities in coastal and littoral zones.
INS Anjadip follows the commissioning of INS Arnala and INS Androth last year. Together, these vessels form a critical component of the Navy’s strategy to modernise its fleet and improve maritime security preparedness.
Boost to Defence Indigenisation
The use of indigenous SAIL steel in INS Anjadip reflects India’s broader push for defence self-reliance. By sourcing specialised material domestically, the country reduces import dependence and strengthens its strategic autonomy.
SAIL has consistently played a pivotal role in supplying special-grade steel for major naval projects. Its contribution spans landmark warships such as INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, INS Nilgiri and INS Surat, reinforcing its position as a key partner in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Strengthening the Domestic Supply Chain
The steel for INS Anjadip was produced at SAIL’s integrated plants in Bokaro (Jharkhand), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and Rourkela (Odisha). This inter-plant coordination showcases the efficiency and resilience of India’s domestic supply chain in handling complex defence requirements.
By delivering the entire requirement of special-grade steel for the ASW-SWC series, SAIL has demonstrated its capacity to meet stringent naval specifications. Such capabilities are vital for sustaining long-term defence production goals.
Strategic Significance of ASW-SWC Programme
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft programme is designed to enhance surveillance, detection and neutralisation of underwater threats. These vessels operate in coastal waters, safeguarding vital maritime assets and trade routes.
With increasing focus on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, such platforms are considered essential for protecting national interests. Indigenous construction ensures faster production cycles and improved lifecycle support.
Advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat Vision
The commissioning of INS Anjadip built with indigenous steel is aligned with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It highlights the synergy between public sector enterprises and defence shipyards in achieving strategic self-sufficiency.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, a leading defence shipyard, continues to expand its capabilities in constructing advanced naval platforms. More details on GRSE’s shipbuilding projects can be accessed through its official portal at https://www.grse.in.
As India strengthens its maritime posture, projects like INS Anjadip symbolise not just military capability but also industrial progress. The successful integration of domestically produced steel into frontline warships reflects the country’s growing confidence in its manufacturing ecosystem.
With the addition of INS Anjadip to the fleet, the Indian Navy takes another step toward modernisation, while SAIL reinforces its role as a cornerstone of India’s defence indigenisation drive.
