RAF marshalling crew with the newly arrived Gajraj

The first of the two IL-76's ferrying 50 IAF air warriors, comprising ground crew and technicians from India today arrived at the RAF airbase around midday (1630 hrs IST) via Doha in Qatar and Tanagra in Greece. "This is the first time-ever that an IL-76 has landed at any RAF airbase", informed Wing Commander PS Arora, the Leader of the first IL-76 that landed at RAF Waddington today.
The six Su-30 MKI's and two IL-78 MKI fuel-tankers, together with the second IL-76 ferrying the remaining complement of the IAF personnel is slated to arrive tomorrow. Excitement and anticipation of the much-touted Su-30 MKI's has brought-in most aviation aficionados and 'spotters', camping near the fencing around the airbase with cameras, awaiting first glimpse of the IAF aircraft arriving for the first-time in the history of the airbase.