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C-130 News: New (IAF) Super Hercules squadron to become operational at Panagarh in May


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PANAGARH (Burdwan) The 87 Squadron of Indian Air Force (IAF) will formally become operational at Air Force Station Arjan Singh in Panagarh on May 5 in the presence of IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha. This was announced by Air Marshal C Hari Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, at the air base on Friday. The 87 Squadron will be the second one in the IAF to comprise C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The first squadron is based at Hindon near Delhi.

"The additional C-130J aircraft will be coming in from April, 2017. All construction work, including hangers, will be completed by the end of this month and the squadron will become operational on May 5. The Super Hercules are strategic assets and Panagarh is the perfect location for them as it is deep inside the hinterland. As the newly raised Mountain Strike Corps of the Army is also headquartered in Panagarh, the location of this base is extremely crucial. Lockheed Martin has been contracted to build the hangers and other infrastructure for the aircraft. They are being constructed as per US standards," Hari Kumar said.

The AOC-in-C was in Panagarh to rename Air Force Station Panagarh as Air Force Station Arjan Singh in honour of the first and only Marshal of the Air of the IAF. Singh turned 97 on Friday. This is the first time that an operating air base in the country is being named after a personality, that too living. According to Hari Kumar, it is a proud moment for the base as well as West Bengal, Singh being an icon and a guide to all those who join the air force.

Facilities at AFS Arjan Singh will be unlike most other air bases in the country.


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