Dana Al-Shaleen.. The First Kuwaiti Woman to Pilot a Military Aircraft After Being Sent to Greece for Flight Training

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior announced the dispatch of First Lieutenant Paratrooper Dana Nasser Al-Shaleen to Greece to study aviation sciences, thus becoming the first Kuwaiti woman to pilot a military aircraft in Kuwait, one of the leading Gulf countries in supporting and empowering women in security and military fields.

This dispatch came through the General Administration of the Police Aviation Wing of the Ministry of Interior, to receive advanced practical and academic training in police aviation and to qualify her to work as a pilot officer, in a step that is the first of its kind at the level of Kuwaiti military institutions.

Official Support and Women's Empowerment

The Director General of the Police Aviation Wing, Brigadier Pilot Salem Al-Shahab, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA):
"This dispatch embodies the state's vision in empowering women and enhancing their participation in various security sectors, and keeping pace with modern developments in the security and military fields."

Experience in Parachuting

Dana belongs to the Ministry of Interior's freefall parachuting team, which was established in 2018 under the leadership of Brigadier Naval Officer Mubarak Ali Al-Yusuf Al-Sabah. Dana is the first parachutist in Kuwait, having completed over 250 jumps, obtained 3 parachuting licenses, and participated in local shows and festivals.
She also participated in the first parachute descent during the graduation ceremony of officer students from the 47th batch last February, in the presence of the Emir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, which represents a qualitative achievement for Kuwaiti women in the military field.

Steps Towards Equality for Kuwaiti Women

Kuwaiti women have sought since gaining their political rights in 2005 to occupy leadership positions and empower their presence in work and public life.
In 2009: Women were allowed to join the police force in most sectors of the Ministry of Interior.

In 2020: Kuwaiti women became the first to reach the judiciary after years of demanding this position, which was previously reserved for men.
Dana Al-Shaleen's dispatch to Greece and her training in piloting military aircraft is a historic step reflecting the ongoing empowerment of Kuwaiti women and expanding their role in security and military fields.