Kuwait's Dana Al-Shaleen Becomes First Female Military Pilot After Training in Greece
January 6, 2026208 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior has announced the deployment of First Lieutenant Paratrooper Dana Nasser Al-Shaleen to Greece for aviation training, making her the first Kuwaiti woman to pilot a military aircraft. This initiative underscores Kuwait's leadership in promoting women's roles in security and military fields.
Her training, facilitated by the General Administration of the Police Aviation Wing, aims to provide Dana with comprehensive practical and academic instruction in police aviation, marking a pioneering step within Kuwaiti military institutions.
Official Support for Women's Advancement
Brigadier Pilot Salem Al-Shahab, Director General of the Police Aviation Wing, stated to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA):
"This initiative reflects the state's vision for empowering women and enhancing their involvement in various security sectors, aligning with contemporary advancements in military and security domains."
Parachuting Experience
Dana is a member of the Ministry of Interior's freefall parachuting team, established in 2018 under Brigadier Naval Officer Mubarak Ali Al-Yusuf Al-Sabah. As the first parachutist in Kuwait, she has completed over 250 jumps, holds three parachuting licenses, and has participated in numerous local events. Notably, she performed a parachute descent during the graduation ceremony for officer students from the 47th batch in February, attended by the Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marking a significant achievement for women in the military.
Progress Towards Gender Equality in Kuwait
Since gaining political rights in 2005, Kuwaiti women have actively pursued leadership roles in various sectors. In 2009, they were permitted to join the police force across most divisions of the Ministry of Interior. By 2020, Kuwaiti women made history by entering the judiciary, a position previously exclusive to men. Dana Al-Shaleen's training in Greece represents a landmark moment in the ongoing empowerment of women in Kuwait, expanding their influence in military and security roles.
