IAF inducts the C130J aircraft into its fleet

• IAF inducted its latest acquisition from the USA, the C130J Super Hercules tactical airlift transport aircraft
• The aircraft, the first of the six that India ordered from the U.S. Government, will be based at the newly raised 77 squadron named 'Veiled Vipers', with the motto "Kill with Stealth", signifying the capability of the aircraft to undertake deployment of special forces in all-weather conditions.
• The aircraft is capable of airdropping personnel and material even in complete darkness, as it is equipped with night vision imaging. It can also land on unprepared or semi-prepared landing strips and has self-protection to operate in hostile environments.
• It is capable of undertaking low-level air-to-air refuelling that enhances the aircrafts range and rapid forward basing of personnel and equipment in emergent situations.

Diverse uses

In wartime, the aircraft can be employed for special air operations, airborne operations, air transported operations, air supply and maintenance operations. During peacetime, its roles include operations and maintenance in mountainous terrain in adverse circumstances and humanitarian assistance