• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday signed a technology transfer agreement with Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited (JSHL) for manufacturing High Nitrogen Steel (HNS).
• The alloy has significant applications in the defence sector, but currently the country is largely dependent on imports.

About High Nitrogen Steel:

• a much higher ballistic strength than normal steel
• “HNS is not only tough but also has good strength. In addition to being non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant, the HNS cost is about 40% less compared to Rolled Homogenous Armour Steel

Helpful for:

• HNS technology would further the Army’s quest for lighter and high-performance armouring material compared to materials currently in use.
• HNS, by virtue of its strength and characteristics, has potential application in all armoured vehicles, and the JSHL has several upcoming programmes, including the Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV), Light Specialty Vehicle (LSV) and such others.