In a Historic Move, Colonel Özlem Karapınar Has Been Promoted to Brigadier General, Becoming the First Female General in the Turkish Air

The decision came during a Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, which lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. The council also decided to retire Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu due to lack of positions, appointing General Rafet Dalkıran as his successor. Effective August 30, 2026, 25 generals and admirals were promoted to higher ranks, and 69 colonels were elevated to general or admiral status.

Additionally, 24 generals had their terms extended by one year, and 530 colonels by two years. Two generals will retire on September 1 due to age limits, while 61 generals and admirals will retire on August 30 due to lack of positions. Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu's term was extended by one year.