Turkey's Supreme Military Council Appoints New Commanders, Promotes First Female General

Turkey's Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) convened for its 2026 meeting, presided over by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, announcing significant personnel changes and promotions within the military's top ranks.

A major decision involved the replacement of Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, whose term was extended once before, with General Rafet Dalkıran. In contrast, the term of Navy Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu was extended for another year. Tatlıoğlu has had his term extended twice previously, while Kadıoğlu's was extended once before this latest change.

The council also approved the promotion of 18 colonels to the rank of brigadier general. Among these newly promoted officers is Colonel Özlem Karapınar, who makes history as the first female general in the Turkish Air Force. Additionally, Colonel Alper Gezeravcı, Turkey's first astronaut and a pilot in the Turkish Air Force, was also promoted to brigadier general.

The Supreme Military Council, originally established in 1925 as Ali Şura-yı Askeri, has undergone numerous structural changes throughout Turkey's political history, particularly following the transition to a multi-party system and subsequent military interventions. Its primary objective has been to meet the military's needs and implement necessary defense measures. Today, its duties include advising on the Chief of General Staff's strategic military vision. Following the 2016 coup attempt, the council's composition was further modified to include the Ministers of Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Interior.