Japan is all set to have it’s first woman fighter pilot the military said on Thursday. First Lieutenant Misa Matsushima finished her training on Wednesday to fly F-15s and will officially become a fighter pilot on Friday, the ministry said in a brief statement.
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“Ever since I saw the movie ‘Top Gun’ when I was in primary school, I have always admired fighter jet pilots,” she told local media.“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,” she said.
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In 1993, Japan Air Force decided to open all the positions for women in the air force except for fighter pilot. Women account for a mere 6.4 percent of Japan’s 228,000 troops.