Flight Lieutenant Prajwal R. Shetty, who hails from Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, has attained operational status as a fighter pilot on the Indian Air Force’s Dassault Rafale. His role in the Air Force’s 94th anniversary aerial display, “Wings Over Ganges,” over the River Ganga at Namo Ghat in Varanasi on 25 October 2026, brought this achievement into public view.
From NDA to the fighter stream
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 then spent three years at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, where he also received flying training on the Super Dimona aircraft.
Following NDA, he completed one year of flying training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad. During this phase, 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.
Training on the Hawk and Rafale qualification
Shetty later underwent 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 stage, reflecting sustained performance through the training pipeline.
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, which required precise coordination in a high-visibility public flypast.
Where the Rafale is operated
The Rafale is operated primarily by No. 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows” at Air Force Station Ambala, which is the IAF’s first Rafale unit, and by No. 101 Squadron at Hasimara. According to the source, operational status on the aircraft follows successful completion of conversion training, solo qualification, and integration into squadron flying and mission profiles.
Shetty’s journey from NDA training to operational Rafale flying has been presented as an example of the demanding path followed by IAF fighter pilots. His participation in the aerial display serves as confirmed evidence of his inclusion in an operational Rafale formation.
