RUDRA (ALH WSI)

• The Army's WSI (Weapon System Integrated) helicopter, is christened as “RUDRA” Synonym for ‘Lord SHIVA’.

• Rudra is a Rigveda God associated with wind or strom or hunt. The name Rudra is taken as a synonym for Lord SHIVA and the two names are used interchangeably. The word is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘ Saru’, which means to injure or to kill and in general sense is interpretive translation of the name ‘sarva’ as ‘one who can kill the forces of darkness’. A different etymology connected with the adjectival from ‘RAUDRA’ translates as ‘The Fierce God’. This agile aerial weapon platform with its sophisticated technology make it supremely capable of taking ‘Raudra’ form of a ‘Fierce God’ to bring about destruction of the enemy.

• Rudra is the first Army Aviation aircraft to add ‘teeth’ to the fleet of Army Aviation with its Mistral air-to-air missiles, 70 mm rockets, 20 mm guns and ATGMs. The ALH(WSI) is a force multiplier for the field force commander with its potent weapons on board. This helicopter will be able to storm the enemy forces and hunt them down when required. ALH(WSI) pilot will be like an archer who will strike and kill or injure the enemy from a distance. He will be like a fierce God bringing death and destruction to the enemy.

• The first Army Avn Sqn (WSI) is already under raising and second Army Avn Sqn (WSI) is planned to be raised thereafter.