Major reshuffle in Turkish military leadership announced

The Turkish Supreme Military Council (YAŞ), chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has approved a series of significant appointments and retirements within the country's armed forces. General Rafet Dalkiran has been appointed as the new Commander of the Turkish Air Force, replacing General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu, who is being retired from service. Conversely, the term of Naval Forces Commander Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu has been extended by one year.

The restructuring, effective August 30, involves the promotion of 25 generals and admirals, while 69 colonels have been elevated to general or admiral ranks. Additionally, the service tenures of 24 generals and 530 colonels have been extended. A total of 63 generals and admirals have been retired, mostly due to a lack of vacant positions. These adjustments will result in a net increase in the number of generals and admirals in the Turkish military from 328 to 334.

These decisions follow the standard annual review process conducted by the Turkish defense establishment to ensure operational efficiency and command continuity. The military leadership changes remain a focal point for internal defense policy as the government consolidates its control over the military hierarchy.