The Indian Air Force inducted the first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, into service at IAF's Hindon Air Base together with the raising of No. 77 Squadron, named "Veiled Vipers". The Squadron will have all of six aircraft after their phased arrival by end 2011.

At an induction ceremony held in the airbase, Defence Minister A.K. Antony handed over the keys of the aircraft to the Commanding officer of No. 77 Squadron, Group Captain Tejbir Singh, in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, marking its formal induction.

US Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer, Chief of Staff of United States Air Force General Norton A. Schwartz, US Embassy officials, Lockheed Martin Corporation officials, manufactures of C-130J aircraft were among others present at the ceremony. The event was also attended by Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal N.A.K. Browne, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Air Marshal D.C. Kumaria and other senior IAF officials.