Mangaluru: Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty, who secured the 42nd rank at the all-India level in the UPSC examination after completing his Pre-University Course (PUC), has achieved a significant milestone in his career by becoming a fully operational pilot of the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter aircraft.
His journey from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune to the Rafale squadron reflects years of rigorous military training, academic excellence and specialised flying experience. He is currently posted to the 17 Squadron, popularly known as the Golden Arrows, at Ambala in Haryana.
A notable highlight of his career was his participation in Wings Over Ganges, an aerial display held recently in Varanasi as part of the Indian Air Force’s 94th Air Force Day celebrations. He flew in the ‘Neelkanth’ formation, comprising three Rafale fighter aircraft, occupying the central lead position.
From NDA training to the skies
Prajwal secured the 42nd rank at the all-India level in the UPSC examination after completing his PUC, paving the way for his entry into the prestigious National Defence Academy in Pune.
He underwent three years of military training at the NDA, where he developed the foundational skills and discipline required for a career in the armed forces. During this period, he also learned to fly the Super Dimona aircraft, gaining early exposure to aviation.
The NDA training programme provided him with a strong foundation in military studies, physical conditioning and leadership, while his flying experience helped prepare him for the specialised training that followed.
After completing his training at the NDA, Prajwal moved to the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad for a year of flying training. There, he trained on Pilatus and Kiran aircraft, progressing through different stages of aviation instruction.
He secured first place in aviation subjects during this phase, demonstrating strong academic performance alongside his flying training. He also earned a B.Tech degree during this period, adding a technical qualification to his military and aviation education.
Commissioned into the Indian Air Force
In December 2022, Prajwal was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a major step in his military career.
Following his commissioning, he underwent one year of basic fighter training on the Hawk aircraft at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. The training was an important stage in his progression towards flying frontline fighter aircraft.
Once again, he secured first place in aviation subjects, continuing his record of academic achievement during specialised military training.
The Hawk training helped him develop the skills required for fighter aviation, including aircraft handling, operational procedures and the technical knowledge necessary for more advanced flying assignments.
His performance throughout these stages of training enabled him to progress towards the next phase of his career: conversion training on the Rafale, one of the Indian Air Force’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Joins the Rafale’s Golden Arrows squadron
After successfully completing the various stages of training, Prajwal earned the opportunity to fly the Rafale fighter aircraft.
He was posted to the IAF’s 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, based at Ambala. The squadron operates the Rafale, a multirole fighter aircraft designed for a range of air combat and strike missions.
Prajwal successfully completed conversion training on the Rafale and is now serving as a fully operational Rafale fighter pilot.
Conversion training prepares pilots to operate a particular aircraft type, familiarising them with its systems, performance characteristics, procedures and operational requirements. For a fighter pilot, this transition involves specialised instruction and assessments before being cleared for operational duties.
His progression from basic flying instruction to operational Rafale duties represents a significant achievement in a career shaped by successive stages of competitive selection, military education and specialised training.
Leads Neelkanth formation at Wings Over Ganges
One of the notable highlights of Prajwal’s career was his participation in Wings Over Ganges, an aerial display held recently in Varanasi as part of the Indian Air Force’s 94th Air Force Day celebrations.
He flew as part of the ‘Neelkanth’ formation, which comprised three Rafale fighter aircraft. Prajwal occupied the central lead position in the formation, showcasing his flying skills and professional expertise during the aerial display.
Formation flying requires precision, coordination and a high level of concentration, with pilots maintaining carefully controlled positions relative to one another. The central lead position carries particular responsibility for maintaining the formation’s flight path and coordinating the aircraft’s movements.
His participation in the display marked another milestone in his journey as an operational Rafale pilot and highlighted the specialised skills developed through his training and service in the Indian Air Force.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Rafale aircraft and the proficiency of the pilots operating it.
Family roots in Dakshina Kannada
Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty is the son of Ramesh Shetty of Harekala Ulidottu and Seetha R. Shetty of Kodethur Moodudevasya.
His achievement is a source of pride for his family and his native region. From securing a notable rank in the UPSC examination after PUC to completing military training, earning a technical degree and becoming an operational Rafale pilot, his career reflects sustained effort across multiple demanding stages.
His journey may also encourage young people aspiring to careers in the armed forces and aviation to pursue their ambitions through academic preparation, discipline and dedicated training.
As a member of the Golden Arrows squadron, Prajwal now serves in a specialised role within the Indian Air Force, having progressed through the demanding pathway required to operate a frontline fighter aircraft.