SAIL, prominent among India’s public sector undertakings, can feel proud for being a prime contributor in the building of the vessel.
INS Vikrant, the fist indigenously built aircraft carrier, launched in Kochi on September 2 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comes brings about a great sense of pride for the country. As the launch of the aircraft carrier is taking over news space, Steel Authority of India (SAIL) one of India’s prominent public sector undertakings, can feel proud for being a prime contributor in the building of the vessel.
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), a maharatna PSU, has supplied the entire DMR grade specialty steel for INS Vikrant. This is a major leap considering that India’s efforts towards Atmanirbhar Bharat is in full swing at the moment. SAIL, according to the Union Ministry of Steel, has supplied about 30000 tonnes of specialty steel used in building the first swadeshi aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.
Steel from SAIL goes into building INS Vikrant
Elaborating on steel supplied by SAIL for this indigenous project, ministry sources added that they comprise special DMR grade plates, which have been developed by SAIL in collaboration with 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 this warship.
The entire quantity of speciality 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.
Testimony to India’s self-sufficiency
Coming on the occasion of India’s 75th year of Independence adds more charm to the launch of the first indigenously-built aircraft carrier. Hailed as proof of India’s technical acumen and engineering skills, the launch of the vessel is also seen as a testimony to India’s self-sufficiency to produce an aircraft carrier warship will reinforce the country’s defence indigenisation programmes.
The commissioning of INS Vikrant has also helped India leapfrog into an elite club of nations who can build their own aircraft carriers. By adding might to the building of INS Vikrant, the Steel Authority of India has also earned many a laurel as a partner in making the engineering marvel a reality.
