Special Report: Military aircraft, UAVs deployed in Nepal–Tibet flood response

Military and civilian aviation supported relief operations after flash floods struck the Nepal–China border on 26 August. Nepal deployed at least six army helicopters alongside eight civilian aircraft, while India sent a C-130J carrying 10 tonnes of supplies followed by a C-17 carrying 37.5 tonnes, for a combined total of 47.5 tonnes. In Tibet, China deployed a Y-20 transport, four military helicopters, ground rescue assets, and Wing Loong unmanned aircraft for reconnaissance and emergency communications, illustrating both the value of air access and Nepal’s limited organic lift capacity. Mountainous terrain and damaged roads made rotary-wing access especially important.