No. 159 Helicopter Unit, IAF explained

Unit Name:No. 159 Helicopter Unit
Dates:11 February 2013-Present
Country: Republic of India
Garrison:Nagpur AFS
Nickname:Rudraksh
Mascot:Third eye of Lord Shiva
Commander1:Gp Capt S Venkataraman
Aircraft Attack:Mil Mi-17V5

No. 159 Helicopter Unit is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17V5 and based at Nagpur AFS.[1]

History

The unit 159HU christened “Rudraksh” is an Indian Air Force Helicopter unit equipped with the latest state of the art Medium Lift Multirole Assault Russian Helicopter Mi17v5.

This unit was raised in AFS Purnea in the year 2013 but later shifted to AFS Nagpur.

The unit has been instrumental in handling the Central Region of the Republic of India and assists Central and State Govt with various roles whenever needed.

The unit has been at the forefront of air maintenance in the Uttar Bharat Hills and has countless Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in its history.

The name Rudraksh stands for Rudr which is the holy name of the Hindu Deity Lord Shiva and Aksh means his Third Eye so Rudraksh means the third eye of the great Lord Shiva.

Aircraft

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Squadrons and Helicopter Units. Bharat Rakshak. 5 December 2015.