Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty, a native of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, has achieved operational status as a fighter pilot on the Indian Air Force’s frontline Dassault Rafale aircraft. The milestone was highlighted by his participation in the Indian Air Force’s 94th anniversary aerial display, “Wings Over Ganges,” held over the River Ganga at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on 25 October 2026.
After completing his Pre-University Course (PUC), Shetty secured the 42nd rank in the all-India UPSC examination for entry into the National Defence Academy. He underwent three years of training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune. During this period, he received flying training on the Super Dimona aircraft, establishing a strong foundation in aviation.
Following NDA, he completed one year of flying training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad. There, he flew the Pilatus and Kiran aircraft, topped the aviation subjects, and earned a B.Tech degree. In December 2022, he was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force.
He subsequently completed one year of basic fighter conversion training on the Hawk Mk 132 at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal. He again topped the aviation subjects during this phase, demonstrating consistent academic and flying excellence.
At the Wings Over Ganges display witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other dignitaries Flight Lieutenant Shetty flew as part of the “Neelkanth” formation of three Rafale aircraft. He occupied the central leading position in the formation, showcasing the precision and professional standards required for operational Rafale flying. The event featured multiple formations and aircraft types as part of the IAF’s 94th anniversary celebrations.
Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty progression through the rigorous IAF pilot training pipeline from NDA and AFA to Hawk conversion and operational clearance on the Rafale serves as an inspirational example for defence aspirants and young people seeking a career in the Indian Air Force.
The Rafale is operated primarily by No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” at Air Force Station Ambala (the IAF’s first Rafale unit) and No. 101 Squadron at Hasimara. Operational status on the aircraft requires successful completion of conversion training, solo qualification, and integration into squadron flying and mission profiles. Shetty’s participation in a high-profile public aerial display in the lead element of a three-ship Rafale formation confirms his attainment of this operational capability.
