ANS: Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a major leader among Indian steel makers, is redoubling its efforts to strengthen India’s defence indigenization. By contributing to the Indian Navy’s seventh endeavour within the indigenous P17 A project, the business has once again made significant strides in boosting India’s defence capabilities.
SAIL has provided the Indian Navy with about 4000 tonnes of specially manufactured steel plates for the building of this frigate ship, marking an important step forward. The seventh frigate, the fourth warship built by M/s Mazagon Dock Ltd., will be unveiled on September 1, 2023. The prestigious event will be graced by the presence of Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India, and will mark a significant step forward in bolstering the nation’s maritime security.
SAIL’s involvement in the evolution of the P17A warships demonstrates the company’s unwavering dedication to furthering India’s defence indigenization. SAIL’s role in this naval venture extends beyond steel supply to providing specialised steel in comparable amounts for the construction of the sixth warship, known as “Vindhyagiri.” The President of India, Draupadi Murmu recently inaugurated this ship.
M/s Mazagon Dock Limited has been tasked with building four vessels for the P17 A project, with M/s GRSE contributing three. Mazagon Dock Limited successfully launched three ships between September 2019 and September 2022, and M/s GRSE successfully launched three ships between December 2020 and August 2023. SAIL’s contribution to the steel supply for these boats is estimated to be 28,000 tonnes, demonstrating the company’s capacity to offer high-quality steel products adapted for specialised applications.
SAIL’s contribution to India’s defence sector is admirable. It goes beyond the P17A project to include a variety of defence endeavours, such as the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant, INS Udayagiri, and INS Surat, as well as the artillery cannon Dhanush. The company’s critical role in delivering steel for these projects demonstrates its long-term dedication to strengthening India’s defence capabilities.