State-owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has delivered 4,000 tonnes of special-grade steel for the construction of INS Nilgiri, a cutting-edge stealth frigate commissioned into the Indian Navy on Wednesday. The warship, along with INS Surat and INS Vaghsheer, was formally inducted into service at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In an official statement, SAIL confirmed that it supplied the entire 4,000 tonnes of special steel required for INS Nilgiri. The steel includes DMR 249A grade hot-rolled (HR) sheets and plates, which are critical for the ship’s construction.
The Ministry of Steel revealed that SAIL’s Bokaro Steel Plant contributed approximately 2,000 tonnes of HR sheets and plates. Meanwhile, the Bhilai Steel Plant and Rourkela Steel Plant provided 1,600 tonnes and 400 tonnes of plates, respectively.
INS Nilgiri is part of the advanced Project 17A stealth frigate program, designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities. The frigate features state-of-the-art stealth technology, which reduces its radar signature, making it harder to detect. It also boasts modern aviation facilities, improved survivability, and higher operational efficiency.
The warship was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. Its commissioning marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding efforts, showcasing the country’s growing expertise in constructing advanced naval vessels.
This achievement underscores SAIL’s crucial role in supporting India’s defense sector by providing high-quality steel for critical projects like INS Nilgiri.
