Strike Witches

The earth has been overrun by a mysterious alien force known as the Neuroi, who assume aircraft-like bodies and spread a poisonous miasma, on an alternate Earth during World War II. As a result, rather than engaging in internal conflict, the world's armed forces have united to face the threat posed by the Neuroi. The military instead employs Witches, young girls with magical skills capable of combating the Neuroi, as ordinary weapons are ineffective against the Neuroi's technology. When employing their powers, the Witches, who take their cues from illustrious real-life pilots, develop animal ears and tails. They can also fly through the skies using unique machines called Striker Units, which have designs inspired by actual aircraft. The Suomus Independent Volunteer Aerial Squadron is the subject of the light novel series, which centers on dogfighter Tomoko Anabuki. Yoshika Miyafuji, a teenager from the Fuso Empire who joins the titular Strike Witches to look into her father's death and aid in the war against the Neuroi, is the main character of the primary anime franchise. The Fuso girl Hikari Karibuchi who joins the titular Brave Witches to fight in lieu of her hurt sister Takami is the focus of the spin-off anime series Brave Witches.