Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, has played a key role in the commissioning of INS Taragiri, the fourth ship of the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A) stealth frigates. The warship was inducted into the Indian Navy on April 3, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime defence architecture.
Indigenous steel at the core of warship construction
Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, the warship incorporates the full requirement of approximately 4,000 tonnes of special grade steel plates supplied by SAIL. This specialised steel was produced across SAIL’s integrated plants in Bokaro, Bhilai and Rourkela, underscoring the company’s advanced metallurgical expertise and adherence to stringent quality standards required for defence applications.
Driving defence indigenisation efforts
SAIL has consistently contributed to India’s defence indigenisation push, aligning with flagship initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The company has previously supplied specialised steel for key naval platforms, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and earlier Project 17A frigates, INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri.
Milestone in India’s self-reliance journey
The successful induction of INS Taragiri marks another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It also highlights the critical role of domestic steel producers like SAIL in bolstering the country’s strategic and maritime capabilities.