Misa Matsushima Japan’s first female fighter pilot

Japan’s very first female fighter pilot is starting her duties in the cockpit of an f-15 jet. First Lieutenant Misa Matsushima, 26, will be based at the Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture on the Air Self-Defense Force’s 5th Air Wing stationed on the eastern coast of Kyushu Island. 

Japan began recruiting women for the military in 1993 but issued a ban on them becoming fighter jet and reconnaissance aircraft pilots which was not lifted until 2015.

Lt Misa had intended to pilot transportation aircraft before the ban was lifted. Speaking to journalists after it was revealed that she had completed the three-year training course and had qualified, Lt Misa said: ‘Being a fighter pilot has been my dream since childhood. ‘As the first female fighter pilot, I will open the way. ‘I wish to continue to work hard to fulfil my duty – not just for myself but also for women who will follow this path in the future.’ 

The elite twin-engined F-15 fighter jets she is piloting can reach a top speed of 1,864 mph (3,000 kph) and designed for air-to-air combat with other jets.

The first step on her mission to become an elite pilot was in transport planes and she then pressed to move it to the next level when the Ministry of Defense announced women fighter pilots would be allowed to train. The change came in 2013 as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s attempts to offer more equality and opportunities for women as Japan faces an ageing population and shrinking workforce.

Lt Misa said that she had then dropped everything to follow her dream and had undergone the three-year course which involves heavy mental and physical testing to match the stress of being a fighter pilot. But Lt Misa won’t be on her own for very long as three other women are currently in training to follow in her footsteps.

Source: METRO