The IAF and Its Latest Transport Aircraft Lockheed C130

The IAF and Its Latest Transport Aircraft Lockheed C130

The Indian Air Force has a checkered history. Formed in 1933 as the Royal Indian Air Force, it dropped its prefix Royal after India gained independence in 1947 and became a republic in 1950. The Indian Air force had its first transport squadron incorporated in 1946 with a fleet of 10 DC3 (Dakota). These aircraft did yeoman service for the IAF and were used for the airlift of troops to Srinagar in 1948 after the Pakistan backed raiders had almost reached the capital. In fact the first Dakota with 28 troops of the Sikh regiment landed in Srinagar to fight the Pakistan army backed tribe's men.

Over the years the need for a transport fleet was felt by the IAF. However the cold war scenario militated against any attempt by the IAF to procure American or British aircraft. Krishna Menon the left leaning defense Minister brought in Russian aircraft as a counter measure and the IAF inducted AN-12 and later the AN- 32.

The need for a heavy transport was also felt and the IAF opted for the Russian IL-76, jet transport. It was a massive plane and could carry 45 tonnes compared to the AN-32 capability of 5 tones.

As a part of up gradation of the transport fleet and with improved relations with USA, the IAF has started the induction of American manufactured aircraft. This is also a new sign of cooperation between the USA and India. Thus the IAF on 04 Feb inducted its first aircraft from the USA in decades the Lockheed Martin C 130j. In all six of these aircraft are to inducted into the IAF with the first landing at the Hindan air base about 20 miles from Delhi. This aircraft is expected to enhance the armed forces' reach for specialist operations behind enemy lines. The induction ceremony at Hindan was attended by the Air Force top brass as well as the Indian defense Minister and the US ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer as well as Chief of Staff of US Air Force Gen Norton A Schwartz.

The Transport squadron which will be based at Hindon will use this aircraft in the most important task of co-coordinating commando operations, which will begin by integrating the IAF Special Forces, Garudas, with this unit. The tactical airlift aircraft will be able to undertake quick deployment of the Special Forces in all-weather conditions.

It also has self-protection suite to survive in a hostile environment and air-to-air refueling capability increasing its strategic reach. It can also carry 92 fully armed commandos. The induction of this plane is a sign that military cooperation between the USA and India is growing as the power equation and geopolitical atmosphere has changed and India is emerging as a significant partner of the USA on the global scene.