INS Ajay and INS Nistar: latest milestones in SAIL’s strategic steel support to Defence Indigenization

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), India’s largest steelmaking Maharatna PSU, continues to play its pivotal role in defence indigenization by supplying critical-grade steel for INS Ajay, launched by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) and INS Nistar, commissioned by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) during July, 2025.

SAIL has supplied the entire quantity of special DMR grade steel plates for INS Ajay ensuring structural integrity and stealth performance. INS Ajay is the eighth and final vessel in the indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) series constructed by GRSE.

SAIL has also supplied the entire quantity of special grade Plates for the newly commissioned INS Nistar, India’s first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV). INS Nistar, delivered by HSL, is poised to play a vital role in submarine rescue operations, deep-sea diving, and sustained patrolling.

SAIL’s commitment to powering India’s naval strength underscores its strategic support to national defence goals and its integral role in building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. With every tonne of steel, SAIL continues to forge the backbone of India’s maritime readiness and defence resilience.