Japan gets first woman fighter pilot
Tokyo, Aug 24 : Japan on Friday appointed its first female fighter pilot, the latest achievement in the national push for greater gender equality in the traditionally male-dominated country.
First Lt. Misa Matsushima, 26, joined the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) after graduating from the National Defence Academy in 2014, becoming one of the 13,707 servicewomen who make up a mere 6.1 per cent of all Japanese troops, reports CNN.
She finished her training earlier this week and was officially named a fighter pilot in a ceremony on Friday, said the JASDF in a press release.
"Ever since I saw the movie 'Top Gun' when I was in primary school, I have always admired fighter jet pilots," Matsushima told reporters on Thursday.
"As the first female (fighter) pilot, I will open the way. I would like to work hard to meet people's expectations and show my gratitude to people who have been supporting me. I want to become a full-fledged pilot, no different from men, as soon as possible."
"I hope to be the one to inspire more people to become a pilot," she added. Matsushima, who is from Yokohama, got her pilot's license in 2015, before advancing to fighter pilot training.
She will now be stationed at the Nyutabaru Air Base, and begin flying F-15J fighter jets.
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US Consulate in Dubai reportedly attacked
Dubai: Smoke was seen rising from an area near the United States Consulate in Dubai, according to witness accounts cited by Reuters.
There was no immediate official confirmation on the extent of damage or whether there were any casualties in the incident.
Earlier, the US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, was also attacked. Authorities reported damage to the premises, but no casualties were recorded.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran continuing to target US interests in the Middle East following deadly attacks launched on Saturday by Israel and the United States.
Near US embassy in Dubai pic.twitter.com/z5VTZNVxNO
— Sahil Shah (@thesahilsshah) March 3, 2026
