Indian Air Force(2000-Till Date)
Born into a farmer’s family, Wing Commander Vijay Shelke’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force is nothing short of inspiring. A proud alumnus of Sainik School Satara, he pursued his passion for serving the nation by joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in June 2000.
Over a remarkable career spanning 24 years, Wing Commander Shelke has flown a variety of aircraft, including the MiG-21, MiG-23, Mirage 2000, and Hawk. With an impressive 2,700 hours of flying experience and over 1,000 hours as a flying instructor, he has played a pivotal role in training and mentoring budding fighter pilots in the art of combat flying.
Recognizing the lack of awareness about a career in the armed forces in the Latur region, Wing Commander Shelke envisioned a solution. With a mission to inspire and guide young minds to become Class-I gazetted officers in the Indian Armed Forces, he led the formation of Drona Defence Academy. The academy is dedicated to providing comprehensive academic and Services Selection Board (SSB) training to aspiring students.
Drawing from his experiences at Sainik School and NDA, Wing Commander Shelke has been instrumental in planning the academy’s infrastructure, academic programs, and daily curriculum. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of the defence forces’ requirements ensure that the academy remains a beacon of guidance and preparation for future leaders of the nation.
Wing Commander Vijay Shelke’s journey exemplifies dedication, courage, and the pursuit of excellence, making him a true inspiration for the youth of India.
With warm regards
Wg Cdr Vijay Shelke
Mentor