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

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 today.

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 on Thursday.

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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 over $1 billion.

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.