Israel Air Force flight school gets first female squadron leader

For the first time this week, a woman was appointed as a squadron leader in the Israel Air Force’s flight school.

The Air Force major, identified only by the Hebrew initial ‘Yud’ in line with security protocols, will command the IDF school’s combat navigators squadron and train the next generation of navigators.

Major ‘Yud’ enlisted in the military in 2010 and graduated flight school as a navigator. She served in various posts and was the first woman to be deputy commander of a combat squadron.

The position of navigator has evolved over the years to include responsibilities over weapons systems, and they are often the mission leaders in the cockpit.

Yud’s achievement follows the milestones set in 2018 by another woman, identified then as Major ‘Gimel,’ who was the first female to command a flight squadron.

Israel’s first female combat pilot was Roni Zuckerman, who graduated flight school in 2001.