Canada's Air Force to be led by a woman for the first time

The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has a new leader — and for the first time in its history, the role is being held by a woman.

This was reported by the press service of the Canadian Ministry of Defence.

"Lieutenant General Speiser-Blanchet will become the 22nd commander of the Canadian Air Force and the first woman to hold this post," the department said in a statement.

As reported by The Canadian Press, at the appointment ceremony, the new commander-in-chief emphasized that the Canadian Air Force is facing "major challenges." "Right now, we have a shortage of personnel, while [there are] high demands for combat readiness. That, in my opinion, is the main problem," she added.