..:: India Strategic ::. Air Force: Agni-IV, C-130J, IAF woman officer among firsts at R-Day

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Editorial

Agni-IV, C-130J, IAF woman officer among firsts at R-Day

Published: January 2012

New Delhi. The latest nuclear capable Agni-IV missile, its C-130J special operations plane, and a woman officer leading the IAF unit on Rajpath were among the firsts at the 63rd Republic Day parade Thursday.

Agni-IV, successfully tested in November 2011, was on display as part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tableau.

A potent and technologically advanced arsenal, Agni-IV, which can hit targets 3,500 km away, adds a new dimension to the country's capabilities in strategic deterrence.

The DRDO also showcased the new tactical battlefield support high-speed missile Prahaar and the medium altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle Rustom-I.

Indian Air Force's (IAF) latest acquisition, the US Lockheed Martin C-130J transport plane, made its debut at the parade.

Three C-130Js were part of the IAF's 29 aircraft fly past, including three Su-30MKIs and MiG-29s.

India bought six C-130Js from the US for about $1 billion, inclusive of 30 percent offsets obligation.

Ft. Lt. Sneha Shekhawat made history when she led the IAF contingent down Rajpath, becoming the first woman officer to do so.

Shekhawat, from Sikar in Rajasthan, flies non-combat transport planes like the Avro. She was joined by three other women officers to march ahead of the 144-men contingent.

The other women are Flying Officer Anupam Chaudhary, who flies Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, Flying Officer Pooja Negi and Flying Officer Hena Pore, both from IAF accounts branch.

(IANS)