Türkiye names first female Air Force general
Türkiye's Supreme Military Council (YAS) has promoted Colonel Özlem Karapınar to brigadier general, making her the first woman to reach general rank in the Turkish Air Force.
The promotion was approved during the council's annual meeting, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The decisions, which take effect on Aug. 30, include the promotion of 25 generals and admirals to higher ranks and the elevation of 69 colonels to the general and admiral corps.
Karapınar's promotion marks a milestone for the Turkish Air Force, following the appointment of Gökçen Fırat as Türkiye's first female admiral in 2023.
Among those also promoted to brigadier general was Alper Gezeravcı, Türkiye's first astronaut, who flew to the International Space Station in 2024.
New Air Force chief appointed
The council also appointed General Rafet Dalkıran as the new Air Force commander, replacing General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, who retired due to a lack of available positions.
Meanwhile, Navy Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu's term was extended by one year.
Following the latest promotions, the number of generals and admirals in the Turkish Armed Forces will increase from 328 to 334.
Promotions and retirements
The reshuffle included promotions across all three branches of the armed forces.
In the Army, three major generals were promoted to lieutenant general, 13 brigadier generals advanced to major general, and 40 colonels were elevated to brigadier general.
In the Navy, two rear admirals were promoted to vice admiral, four commodores became rear admirals, and 11 colonels were promoted to commodore.
In the Air Force, General Erdoğan Gür was promoted to full general, while additional officers advanced through the ranks, including 18 colonels promoted to brigadier general.
The council also extended the service of 24 generals and admirals by one year and 530 colonels by two years. A total of 63 generals and admirals were retired, including two who reached the mandatory retirement age and 61 due to a lack of available positions.
President Erdoğan said he hoped the council's decisions would benefit "our country, our nation and our heroic army," while senior government officials congratulated the newly promoted officers and expressed confidence in the armed forces' continued mission.
Source:turkiyetoday
