New Delhi : The Indian Air Force (IAF) airlifted a critically ill 30-year-old civilian from Leh to Delhi late Saturday night in a short notice medical evacuation mission, ensuring timely access to advanced medical care despite darkness and challenging weather conditions.

According to the IAF’s Western Air Command, a C-130J transport aircraft was deployed for the emergency mission, carrying the patient from Leh to Delhi’s Palam airbase. The civilian was subsequently shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further treatment.

The operation was carried out under difficult conditions, highlighting the Indian Air Force’s ability to respond swiftly to medical emergencies in high altitude areas where harsh weather and challenging terrain can complicate emergency transportation.

The C-130J is a multi role military transport aircraft capable of operating in demanding conditions and undertaking a range of missions, including personnel transport, logistics support and humanitarian assistance. Its deployment for the evacuation underscored the importance of the IAF’s transport fleet in providing emergency support to civilians in remote areas.

The mission comes amid a series of medical evacuations undertaken by the IAF in the Ladakh sector.

The IAF has continued to undertake such missions to transport critically ill civilians and military personnel from remote, high-altitude areas to medical facilities equipped to provide specialised treatment.

The latest evacuation once again highlighted the Indian Air Force’s humanitarian role alongside its operational responsibilities, with rapid medical airlift missions providing a vital link between remote Himalayan communities and advanced healthcare facilities.