Indian Air Force Airlifts Critically-Ill Army Personnel from Kargil in Daring An-32 Mission
New Delhi, June 8, 2025: In a remarkable display of operational prowess, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully airlifted a critically-ill army personnel from Kargil, Ladakh, to the Command Hospital in Chandimandir, Haryana, on Saturday morning. The mission, executed using an An-32 transport aircraft, pushed the aircraft to the limits of its performance capabilities, an IAF official confirmed.
Kargil, situated in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh Union Territory, presents significant challenges for air transport operations, particularly during summer months when extreme temperatures and thin air test the limits of aircraft performance. Despite these adversities, the IAF carried out the evacuation at first light, ensuring the soldier received urgent medical attention.
“The mission was a testament to the IAF’s commitment to its personnel, operating the An-32 at the edge of its performance envelope to save a life,” the official stated.
The patient was transported to Chandimandir’s military cantonment, home to the Command Hospital, known for its advanced medical facilities. This operation underscores the IAF’s critical role in supporting military personnel in remote and challenging regions like Kargil.
