30000 tonnes of special steel used to create engineering marvel INS Vikrant

The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied about 30000 tonnes of specialty steel for building the nation’s first indigenously built Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant which is being commissioned at Cochin Shipyard Limited today.

Showcasing a major achievement towards building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the steelmaking giant, a Maharatna PSU, has supplied the entire DMR grade specialty steel for the first swadeshi Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy.

The steel supplied by SAIL for this indigenous project comprises of special DMR grade Plates. These DMR grade plates have been developed by SAIL in collaboration with the Indian Navy and DMRL. The DMR plates of Grade 249 A were used for the hull and vessel interiors and Grade 249 B for the flight deck of the warship.

The entire quantity of specialty steel, except for the bulb bars, has been supplied by SAIL’s integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Bokaro and Rourkela. This special grade steel, DMR plates, which has been used for the construction of INS Vikrant is an import substitute.

With the commissioning of INS Vikrant, India has forayed into the elite club of nations that can build their own aircraft carriers.

A proof of the country’s technical acumen and engineering skills, it also reinforces defence indigenization programs and the ‘Make in India’ campaign signifying the country’s growing confidence and prowess.

Also Read: Vikrant’s commissioning will cement India’s Indo-Pacific thrust