Mangaluru: The inspiring journey of rafale fighter pilot flight lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty

Mangaluru: The inspiring journey of rafale fighter pilot flight lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 28, 2026: 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), underwent three years of military training at the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune. During his training, he also learned to fly the Super Dimona aircraft, laying a strong foundation for his aviation career.

After completing his training at the NDA, he underwent one year of flying training at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. He trained on Pilatus and Kiran aircraft and secured first place in aviation subjects, marking an outstanding academic achievement. He also earned a B.Tech degree during this period.

In December 2022, Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He subsequently completed one year of basic fighter training on the Hawk aircraft at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. Once again, he secured first place in aviation subjects, demonstrating his academic excellence and professional commitment.

Following the successful completion of the various stages of training, Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty earned the opportunity to fly the Indian Air Force’s advanced Rafale fighter aircraft. Posted to the 17 Squadron, known as the Golden Arrows, at Ambala, he successfully completed conversion training on the Rafale. He is currently serving as a fully operational Rafale fighter pilot.

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 as part of the ’Neelkanth’ formation, comprising three Rafale fighter aircraft. Occupying the central lead position in the formation, he showcased his professional expertise and flying skills.

Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty is the son of Ramesh Shetty of Harekala Ulidottu and Seetha R. Shetty of Kodethur Moodudevasya. His journey, marked by rigorous training, academic excellence and his achievement of becoming an operational pilot of one of the Indian Air Force’s most advanced fighter aircraft, serves as an inspiration to aspiring young people.