New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully airlifted a critically ill Indian Army personnel from Kargil to Command Hospital Chandimandir on Saturday morning, overcoming the region’s high altitude and challenging weather conditions.
In a post on X, the IAF stated, “An IAF An-32 aircraft successfully airlifted critically ill IA personnel from Kargil to CH Chandimandir this morning. High altitude and extreme temperatures make Kargil a formidable challenge for transport operations during summers. This mission was executed at first light, using the aircraft at the edge of its performance envelope.”
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the IAF responded swiftly to landslides triggered by heavy rains in North Sikkim on June 4. Mi-17 helicopters were deployed to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the remote Chaten region. The IAF evacuated 33 stranded individuals, including two US nationals, and delivered essential supplies while inserting National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
However, an earlier attempt to evacuate 113 tourists from Lachen had to be aborted due to adverse weather. A Mi-17 helicopter carrying nine NDRF personnel took off from Pakyong Airport but returned mid-flight due to poor visibility near Mangan and Chaten.
The Indian Air Force continues to play a crucial role in both military and humanitarian missions across difficult terrains and under demanding conditions.
