SAIL Powers INS Arnala with 100% Indigenous Steel Supply

RR Team

6 months ago

SAIL Leads India’s Defence Steel Revolution

In a strong push toward defence indigenization and import substitution, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied the entire requirement of special steel for India’s first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), INS Arnala. The ship was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 18, 2025.

This marks a significant moment in India’s defence manufacturing story, as SAIL—a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking and the largest steelmaker in the country—reaffirms its critical role in nation-building.

A Gamechanger for Atmanirbhar Bharat

INS Arnala is a major part of the Indian Navy’s modernization effort. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that SAIL supplied 100% of the special-grade steel required for the ship, eliminating the need for any foreign imports.

This isn’t a standalone case. SAIL is also supplying all the steel for the remaining seven ASW-SWC corvettes, currently under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

Proven Track Record in Naval Projects

SAIL’s contribution to defence isn’t new. The company has already supplied special steel to several iconic Indian Navy vessels, such as:

INS Vikrant – India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier
INS Vindyagiri
INS Nilgiri
INS Surat

Strategic Importance of Indigenous Steel

The production and use of indigenous special steel reduces India’s reliance on imports, especially in sectors like defence where supply chain security is paramount.

By partnering in such high-stakes projects, SAIL enhances India’s strategic autonomy while also generating jobs and fostering industrial growth.

According to experts, special steel for naval ships must meet specific standards, including high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and superior weldability—standards SAIL continues to exceed.

A Collaborative Win

This milestone highlights the synergy between India’s public sector enterprises and defence manufacturers. While GRSE builds the ships, SAIL ensures they are fortified with the best steel India can produce.

This collaboration also resonates with the Make in India mission, ensuring that critical defence infrastructure is built by India, for India.

Looking Ahead

With multiple future naval and defence projects in the pipeline, SAIL is well-positioned to remain a reliable supplier of high-grade steel. Their expertise will be vital as India continues to develop next-generation frigates, submarines, and aircraft carriers.

This achievement with INS Arnala sets a precedent for similar projects in the years ahead.

Conclusion

SAIL’s delivery of special steel for INS Arnala is more than just an industrial accomplishment—it’s a powerful symbol of India’s growing self-reliance in defence. As India moves toward a future with indigenous capabilities at its core, SAIL’s contributions will be the bedrock on which national security is built.