Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has supplied 100 per cent of the specialised naval-grade steel used in the construction of INS Malvan, the Indian Navy’s newly commissioned Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercraft (ASW-SWC), reinforcing its role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. The vessel, commissioned on July 22 at Karwar in Karnataka, was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with more than 80 per cent indigenous content under the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat initiatives.
The specialised steel was manufactured at AM/NS India’s integrated steelmaking facility in Hazira, Gujarat. The company said it will supply the entire steel requirement for all eight Mahe-class ASW-SWCs being built for the Indian Navy. Designed for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare and coastal security operations, INS Malvan is the second vessel of its class to enter naval service.
Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President – Sales & Marketing, AM/NS India, said producing specialised naval-grade steel requires stringent quality standards, advanced metallurgical expertise and close collaboration with customers, adding that the company is proud to contribute to India’s next generation of naval platforms and defence preparedness.
The development is expected to resonate with eastern India’s steel and engineering ecosystem, particularly in Kolkata, where defence-linked manufacturing, heavy engineering and maritime industries have a strong presence. Industry observers believe rising demand for specialised, high-grade steel for strategic infrastructure and defence projects could create new opportunities for suppliers and ancillary industries across the region.
Apart from the ASW-SWC programme, AM/NS India has supplied specialised steel for major naval platforms such as INS Visakhapatnam and INS Surat. The company has also contributed steel to landmark infrastructure projects, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, Anji Khad Railway Bridge, Bogibeel Bridge and the India-based Neutrino Observatory, strengthening its presence in India’s strategic infrastructure and national security initiatives.
