LEH: The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice medical evacuation late at night, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam in Delhi for urgent medical care.
The mission was conducted in darkness and challenging weather conditions, requiring operational preparedness, close coordination and timely execution to ensure the patient’s transfer.
Following the airlift, the patient was shifted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further treatment.
The evacuation was carried out using an IAF C-130J aircraft, highlighting the force’s capability to respond to urgent humanitarian requirements and provide medical evacuation support in difficult operational environments.
The mission also underscored the importance of air connectivity for emergency medical assistance in remote and high-altitude regions such as Ladakh, where access to specialised healthcare can be challenging.
The IAF continues to undertake humanitarian assistance and medical evacuation missions alongside its operational responsibilities, providing critical support when rapid transportation is essential.

