PHOTOS: The C-130J Super Hercules At Hindon

[Abingdonboy]

No buddy, once you have it, it will remain integrated the whole time, because it is too difficult to fit and unfit it all the time, not to mention that the aircraft could not be used in quick reaction situations, since the pod would needs to be fitted again and since the prime aim is to quickly transport special forces, such a capability must be available at any time, whenever it is needed, same goes for the refuelling pods.

Not so sure about this, from what I've hard it is a relatively quick fit as all software/integration issues are preloaded on to the Herc, it is simply a matter of fitting the FLIR pod which is a relatively simple and quick task. Not sure about a2a refeulling probe thought, that make take some time but I suppose there would always be sufficient time to fit it as time would be needed to task a refueller to the C-130 and as IAF only has 6 right now this could take time.

May be they check the air-plane in full configuration and then remove it if not ordered. In case later operator want to purchase them as add on.

Negative, this is what IAF ordered with the first lot of 6 C-130js
FMS: India Requests Six C-130J Aircraft
Including:

8 AAQ-22 Star SAFIRE III Special Operations Suites (two of them spares)

This is the FLIR. IAF definelty has them.