What happens if an Operator is defeated during battle?

What happens if an Operator loses all of their HP during battle? Thankfully, Operators retreat in order to recover. If you check their character icon, there will be a timer before they can be re-deployed.

Take note as well that their deployment cost will be increased as well by 150%/200% depending on the Operator. While your Operator is recovering, try to hold the fort by placing other Operators in their stead.