Who is Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair? Check his Achievements and Biography

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is one of the most renowned military officers and space professionals in India. Nair, who is a decorated test pilot of the Indian Air Force and one of the four astronaut-designates selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, was awarded the prestigious Kirti Chakra in 2026. He has been a dedicated cadet serving the nation for years and then an excellent astronaut candidate.

Who is Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair?

Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is an officer in the Indian Air Force and a member of India’s first astronaut team for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. He is one of a select group of Indian astronauts who are likely to participate in the country’s first indigenous crewed space mission. Nair, a fighter and test pilot, has flown some of India’s most advanced military aeroplanes and has served the Indian Air Force for more than two decades.

Early Life and Education

Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair was born on August 26, 1976, in the Palakkad district of Kerala. He spent his childhood in Kuwait and came back to India for higher studies. He joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and graduated from the Air Force Academy. He received the Sword of Honour, awarded to the best all-round cadet on the course, during training.

Career in the Indian Air Force

Nair was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1998. Over the years he gained a reputation as an accomplished fighter pilot, flying instructor and test pilot. He has flown more than 3,000 hours on various aircraft including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and AN-32. He was also a Category-A Flying Instructor and commanded a frontline Su-30 fighter squadron. His experience in testing advanced aircraft systems made him one of the most qualified officers selected for India’s human spaceflight programme.

Selection for Gaganyaan Mission

In 2019, Prasanth Nair was selected as one of the four astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan mission. This is a landmark moment for India’s space sector, with the programme aimed at putting Indian astronauts into space on an indigenous spacecraft. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan and Group Captain Angad Pratap are among the astronaut-designates undergoing intensive astronaut training in Russia and India.

Astronaut Training

Nair was trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia, one of the most renowned astronaut training centres in the world. Thereafter, he underwent advanced mission specific training in India and exposure visits and programmes with international space agencies. Training included spacecraft operations, survival training, emergency procedures, microgravity adaptation and mission simulations.

Why Was He Awarded the Kirti Chakra?

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair was awarded the Kirti Chakra by President Droupadi Murmu in June, 2026. Kirti Chakra is the second highest gallantry award in India and is awarded for conspicuous courage or exceptional devotion to duty or for acts of bravery outside the battlefield. The award was for his distinguished service, professional excellence and contribution to India’s defence and space programmes.

Complete List of Kirti Chakra Awardees (2026)

President Droupadi Murmu presented seven Kirti Chakra awards, including two posthumous awards, at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Kirti Chakra is India’s second highest gallantry award for peacetime gallantry in recognition of exceptional courage, bravery and devotion to duty away from the battlefield.

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Indian Air Force)

Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the four astronaut-designates selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, has been awarded the Kirti Chakra for his distinguished service and exceptional contributions as a fighter pilot, test pilot and astronaut. He is one of the most accomplished officers of the Indian Air Force with more than 3,000 flying hours.

Captain Lalrinawma Sailo (4 PARA Special Forces)

Captain Lalrinawma Sailo, of the elite 4 PARA (Special Forces), was awarded the Kirti Chakra for conspicuous bravery and leadership during a high-risk military operation. The Para SF is one of the Special Forces units that undertake some of the most difficult missions for the Indian Army.

Other Kirti Chakra Awardees

The others were members of the Armed Forces and security forces who showed exceptional courage, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty during critical operations. Two awards were awarded posthumously to recognise personnel who died in the service of the nation.

Why the Award Matters?

One of India's most prestigious awards is the gallantry award of the Kirti Chakra. It recognises the sacrifices of the military and security forces in defence of the nation, and honours acts of bravery done in exceptional circumstances. The 2026 honourees embody the highest standards of courage, professionalism and service to the nation.

What is the Kirti Chakra?

The Kirti Chakra is India’s second highest peace time gallantry award after Ashoka Chakra. It was instituted in 1952 and is awarded to military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery, self-sacrifice and exceptional courage away from direct enemy action. The award is a major part of India’s gallantry honours system and recognises outstanding service to the nation.