The operation was conducted at the edge of aviation limits, with pilots facing a narrow window for success as daylight rapidly diminished in the area. To manage the thin air at that altitude, which reduces engine performance and rotor lift, the crew removed all non-essential equipment from the helicopter to minimise weight. The aircraft took off with strictly limited fuel to maximise lift capacity while retaining sufficient range to complete the mission.

Upon arriving at the casualty’s location, the crew confronted strong mountain winds and a steep slope lacking any suitable landing area. The pilots maintained a precarious low hover, balancing the helicopter with one skid on the slope to stabilise the aircraft. The patient was quickly secured and the helicopter safely descended.

The successful mission underscores the operational preparedness, technical skill and dedication of Indian Army Aviation personnel in conducting life-saving operations under some of the world's most demanding mountain conditions.

In a post on X, the official account of the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army stated: “In a daring rescue mission at 18,600 ft near Nun Kun, Indian Army Aviation pilots evacuated a casualty from an extremely challenging slope with no landing space and strong winds. With the helicopter lightened by removing non-essential equipment and carrying limited fuel, the aviators executed the evacuation with exceptional precision, courage and determination, including a critical landing with one skid touching the slope. The mission, undertaken at the last available landing window of the day, stands as a testament to the skill, courage and compassion of Indian Army Aviation.”