List of Strike Witches characters

This is a list of major characters that appear in the Strike Witches franchise.

501st Joint Fighter Wing
These characters appear in the televised anime series and original video animation, with some characters also appearing in various manga.


 * Yoshika Miyafuji (宮藤芳佳)

The main character of the series, age fourteen (later fifteen) and hailing from the Fuso Empire. A typical young girl who comes from a family of clinicians who use their magic powers to heal people. Yoshika gains the features of a mame-shiba when using said power. Her father designed the Striker Units the Strike Witches use to fight. However, because her father died in the war she is vehemently against fighting when Mio Sakamoto appears to recruit her. Only after entering combat for the first time, helping to defend the Fuso fleet heading to Britannia from a Neuroi attack, does she decide to join the 501st. Now she holds the rank of Sergeant. Yoshika has a talent for cooking, but tends to care more about her food's health benefits than its taste, such as when she introduced the other Witches to natto. Carries a type 99 aircraft cannon along with a M712 in battle. She has a small gray dog as a familiar which does not appear in the anime series. Her Striker Unit is modeled after the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, later a Kyūshū J7W "Shinden" in Season 2 and she is based on the ace Kaneyoshi Mutoh.


 * Mio Sakamoto (坂本美緒)

The first Strike Witch and sub-commander of the unit, with the commissioned rank of Squadron Leader. Mio is also the oldest witch in the 501st at nineteen (later, twenty) years old and, like Yoshika, comes from Fuso. She is seemingly the toughest and most mature of the Witches, being an experienced veteran of the early fighting against the Neuroi. She knew Yoshika's father while he was first designing the Striker Unit and was the first person to pilot one. Her usual task is to train new recruits, and in this role she becomes a very strict disciplinarian, appropriately gaining the ears and tail of a Doberman when equipped with her Striker. Otherwise she is quite friendly, if a little too forward at times, with a very distinct laugh. Under Mio's eyepatch is a magic eye that grants her increased visual prowess and the ability to spot Neuroi cores when used. Being 19/20 years old, Mio's magical power has declined too far for her to erect effective shields in combat, however she can still fly and use her magical eye. In the second season, she builds herself an enhanced katana called the Reppumaru that can cut through Neuroi beams to compensate for the lack of shields. She carries a type 99 aircraft cannon into a battle along with a magical katana strapped to her back capable of cutting apart giant Neuroi. Her Striker Unit is based on the A6M Zero, later a Kawanishi N1K "Shiden-kai" in Season 2 and she herself is based on Saburo Sakai.


 * Minna-Dietlinde Wilcke (ミーナ・ディートリンデ・ヴィルケ)

The ranking officer of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing at eighteen years old, Minna has a sisterly air that shows her concern for those under her command. Whether in or out of battle, her first priority is the safety of her subordinates. Her more gentle demeanor means that she often acts as the "good cop" to Mio's "bad cop" when it comes to discipline. She also has a talent for singing, wanting to become a professional before she joined the war effort. However, she gave up that dream when her lover was killed in battle. Because of this, she is afraid of losing anybody else, which leads her to eventually give an order that prohibits the male workers on the base from having unauthorized contact with the witches. Alluding to her namesake, Minna gains wolf features when equipped for combat. Her power grants her enhanced spatial awareness, allowing her to pinpoint the precise location and number of objects in a wide area of space. Holds the commissioned rank of Wing commander, and her affiliation is the Karlsland JG 3 Luftwaffe. During combat she arms herself with an MG42. Her Striker Unit model is the Messerschmitt Bf-109G-2 and her ace pilot archetype is Wolf-Dietrich Wilcke.


 * Lynette Bishop (リネット・ビショップ)

Fifteen years old, Lynette (called "Lynne" for short) is the only Witch in the 501st who is native to the Britannian Commonwealth. The middle child of eight siblings, Lynette developed very domestic and practical habits from helping to take care of them. Similarly domestic is the Scottish Fold, from which her Striker-equipped animal features are based. Plagued by occasional clumsiness and sometimes overlooked, she nevertheless strives to do her best. After she meets Yoshika, the two eventually become best friends. Holds the rank of Sergeant and her affiliation is the Britannian Air Force 610th Fighter Squadron. Her armaments are a Mk. I Boys Anti-tank Rifle and a Bren light machine gun. She serves as the squadron's sharpshooter and possesses an ability to supercharge magic power into shots she fires. Her Striker Unit is based on the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, and her pilot archetype is unclear, but is likely one of the children of Billy Bishop, who is the pilot archetype for Minnie Bishop, Lynette's mother. Lynette also has an older sister, Wilma, who is also a Strike Witch, and likely based on Billy Bishop's son, Arthur.


 * Perrine-H. Clostermann (ペリーヌ・クロステルマン)

A wealthy and proper fifteen year old Gallian girl who looks down on some of the less-refined habits of her peers. The emotional scars left by the Neuroi's conquest of her homeland cause her numerous problems. She often refuses to work as part of a team, and develops a dislike for the upstart newcomer Yoshika due to her attachment to Mio, which eventually develops into full-blown jealousy, even leading her to challenge Yoshika to a duel (as seen in episode 9). When wearing her Striker Unit, she gains the dark ears and tail of a Chartreux. Perrine holds the rank of Flying Officer and her original unit was the Forces Aériennes Galliaises Libres 802nd Flying Corps. Depicted carrying a rapier in artwork,which briefly appeared on the 9th episode of the second season as an heirloom from her family. She also uses a Bren light machine-gun. She has a lightning based spell called Tonnerre which can strike down multiple targets. Her Striker Unit is based on the Arsenal VG 39 and she is named after Pierre Clostermann.


 * Erica Hartmann (エーリカ・ハルトマン)

Karlsland's sixteen year old "ultra ace" of the Luftwaffe JG 52 with more than 200 confirmed victories and the rank of Flying Officer. While extremely efficient and strategic in battle, Erica is surprisingly sloppy with her belongings and often neglects cleaning tasks. The type of person who is only serious when the situation calls for it. Her special technique is an offensive barrel roll named Sturm which manipulates gusts of ether to attack enemies. With her Striker Unit equipped, Erica gains Dachshund features. Her armaments are the MG42 and a MP40. Her Striker Unit is based on the Messerschmitt Bf-109G-6 and her ace archetype is Erich Hartmann.


 * Gertrud Barkhorn (ゲルトルート・バルクホルン)

Eighteen year old Witch from Karlsland; a Flight Lieutenant formerly of the Luftwaffe JG 52. Quiet, efficient, and private, Gertrud (known as "Trude" to her friends) tends to support her comrades from the shadows. Her naturally calm attitude grants her great battlefield stamina, allowing her to rack up an impressive shot-down tally. A long-time acquaintance of Minna and Erica, she is often seen supporting the former in her leadership tasks and chastising the latter for her sloppiness. She has a younger sister named Chris who was badly injured during the invasion of her country and vaguely resembles Yoshika, and she often has a complete change in personality whenever she is brought up. Her magical power grants her the most physical strength of all the Witches to the extent where she can lift a steel girder many times her size. In flight she gains the features of a German Wirehaired Pointer. For battle her armament consists of an MG42, MG131, or MG151 which she dual wields. Her Striker Unit is based on the Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-6 and her pilot archetype is Gerhard Barkhorn. She briefly flew a jet striker based on the Messerschmitt Me 262 armed with two twin-linked MK 108 30mm autocannon and a single BK 5 50mm anti-armor cannon. It was much faster and heavily armed but drained magic at a dangerous rate.


 * Francesca Lucchini (フランチェスカ・ルッキーニ)

Joining the 501st from the Duchy of Romagna, Francesca is the youngest soldier of the unit at a mere twelve years. Her rank is that of a Pilot Officer and her unit affiliation was with Romagna's Sovrana Aeronautica Romagniana 4th Air Unit. Francesca is often childish and self-indulgent, shirking training and other duties in order to have fun around the base or nap. However, in battle she displays a true talent and passion for flying. Also displayed are the ears and tail of a black leopard. She is good friends with the similarly casual Charlotte. She has a tendency to occasionally speak in a sing-song tone. During battles she carries a M1919 A6, Breda-SAFAT 12.7 mm machine gun, or Beretta Model 1938A. She has the power to concentrate energy into a point in front of her, and release it in one powerful burst. Working with her best friend Charlotte, who throws her, she can use this ability to greatly damage an enemy. Her Striker Unit is based on the G.55 Centauro, and her ace archetype is Franco Lucchini.


 * Charlotte E. Yeager (シャーロット・E・イエーガー)

A sixteen year old girl hailing from the United States of Liberion with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. Magnanimous in character, tall and buxom in appearance, Charlotte, nicknamed Shirley, is a thrill-seeker who is fascinated by speed. Like a speedy hare, she gains the ears and tail of a rabbit when equipped with her Striker (possibly alluding to model and photographer Bunny Yeager). Concerned with cleanliness, Charlotte had her personal bath transported all the way to the Strike Witches' Britannia base when she was transferred from the Liberion Army 363rd Fighter Wing. In combat her armament can consist of a M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, Thompson M1 A1, or Colt Government M1911 A1; also depicted carrying a Bowie knife. The P-51D Mustang serves as the basis for her Striker Unit that she nicknames Merlin, while she herself is based on Chuck Yeager. Like her namesake, Charlotte becomes the first person to break the sound barrier. Before joining the 501st she was also a motorcycle racer who broke the land speed record on Bonneville Salt Flats using a modified Indian motorcycle identical to one used by legendary New Zealand speed bike racer Burt Munro in the 1950s.


 * Eila Ilmatar Juutilainen (エイラ・イルマタル・ユーティライネン)

The fifteen year old top ace of the Suomus Air Force 24th Unit with the rank of Pilot Officer (although the three roses on her collar would indicate the rank of captain). Eila's hobby is fortune-telling with tarot cards, although the accuracy of her predictions is questionable at best. Somewhat mischievous, like the black fox whose features she gains in flight. She has a talent for analyzing the thoughts and feelings of her companions, and this skill translates well to the battlefield where her judgment is used to consistently outwit her opponents. She is particularly affectionate towards Sanya and will become cold to people who come too close to her, usually being Yoshika. In combat her weapons of choice are the MG42 and Suomi M1931 submachine gun. Eila's Striker Unit is based on the Messerschmitt Bf-109G-2 and she is based on Eino Ilmari Juutilainen.


 * Sanya V. Litvyak (サーニャ・V・リトヴャク)

The single Witch in the 501st out of the Orussian Empire at thirteen years old, later fourteen. Preferring to stay indoors during the day, Sanya has been described as "nocturnal." At times she is literally asleep on her feet, counting on Eila to move her around. Despite this somewhat limiting her contact with the other members of the 501st, her low profile makes her ideal for night missions. Also helping her in this duty is her magical specialty, the ability to read signals such as radio waves that are invisible to the naked eye, giving her a highly advanced spatial awareness. Gains the ears and tail of a black cat with her Striker Unit equipped. The green brackets that form around Sanya's head are reminiscent of the radar antenna found on night fighters during world war two, further reinforcing her nocturnal nature. Sanya's rank is Flying Officer and her original unit affiliation is the Orussian Imperial Army 586th Fighter Regiment. Her weapon of choice is a modified Fliegerfaust called the "Fliegerhammer." Her Striker Unit design is based on the MiG60 (a fictional warbird combining features of the MiG-1, MiG-3, and Yakovlev Yak-1) and her pilot archetype is Lydia Litvyak.

Suomus Independent Volunteer Aerial Squadron
These characters appear in the ongoing light novel.


 * Tomoko Anabuki (穴拭智子)

The main character. An ace dogfighter from the Fuso Empire, she rose to fame after the initial Neuroi probing attack in the Fuso sea in 1937, where she shot down 7 enemy fighters. She was expecting to get deployed to the frontlines in Karlsland, but was ordered to Suomus instead. Based on Satoru Anabuki.


 * Haruka Sakomizu (迫水ハルカ)

Also from the Fuso Empire, stationed in a naval air flotilla. She is enamored with Tomoko, but her low self-esteem causes her problems. Based on Takeo Tanimizu.


 * Elizabeth F. Beurling (エリザベス・F・ビューリング)

The number 1 trouble-making insubordinate member of the Britannian Air Force. Considered to be a loose cannon compared to everyone else, Elizabeth was to be executed for her constant insubordination and nature by the Britannian military brass. She is considered to have a rather gloomy personality with a slightly suicidal streak and often has a bit of a depressed side to her but shows supports for Tomoko on her decisions in spite of her insubordinate personality. She also has a close relationship with Hannah Rudel and Wilma Bishop whom were both drinking buddies. Wields a Kukri in battle. Based on George Beurling.


 * Katharine O'Hare (キャサリン・オヘア)

Hailing from Texas in the United States of Liberion, she is a real airheaded dunce. She was transferred over after the Liberion Navy thought she could use some experience over at Sumous rather than dragging her forces down due to her rookie tactics. Despite her inexperience she helps to do her best to keep her team in high spirits. In spite of her cheerfulness, her inability to grasp other cultures except her own may occasionally negate her efforts to befriend others. Based on Edward O'Hare.


 * Ursula Hartmann (ウルスラ・ハルトマン)

From Karlsland, she is the twin sister of Erica Hartmann from the anime, as the light novel series and anime take place at different times. The youngest in the squadron at 10 years of age, all she does is read and tries to learn everything according to Karlsland doctrines. She eventually uses her research into rocketry to design the Fliegerhummer prototype that Sanya will use. She also appears in episode 4 of the second anime season. She is named after Erich Hartmann's wife Ursula.


 * Elma Leivonen (エルマ・レイヴォネン)

A native of Suomus, she is nervous, extremely timid, and inexperienced. Initially assigned as the squadron commander of the Suomus Independent Volunteer Air Squadron, she however lacks initiative and often defers to Tomoko.


 * Giuseppina Ciuinni (ジュゼッピーナ・チュインニ)

She is a member from the Principality of Romagna. A former top ace known as the "Non-commissioned General," she lost her memories and skills after being shot down over Neuroi territory. She has an infatuation with Tomoko as well. Based on Giuseppe Cenni.

Maidens of the Blue Sky
These witches appear in the first manga and PS2 game (although Amaki Suwa also makes small appearances in the anime).


 * Amaki Suwa (諏訪天姫)

Appears in episode 12 of the anime. Like Yoshika, she is a Witch from Fuso. She gives Yoshika a letter from her father Dr. Miyafuji, but whether or not this means he is alive is unclear.


 * Nishiki Nakajima (中島錦)

Maidens of the Heavens
These characters appear in the second manga.


 * Junko Takei (竹井醇子)

The leader of the 504th Joint Fighter Wing of Strike Witches. She also makes a few appearances in Strike Witches 2. Pilot archetype is　Junichi Sasai


 * Goshiki Suwa (諏訪五色)


 * Hayate Nakajima (中島疾風)


 * Kanesada Kuji (九字兼定)

Sky That Connects Us
These characters are from other squadrons who appear in the Strike Witches 1.5 manga.


 * Hanna-Justina Marseille (ハンナ・ユスティーナ・マルセイユ)

The captain of the 31st Joint Fighter Wing known as the Storm Witches, stationed in Africa. She appears in the Strike Witches 1.5 manga and episode 10 of Strike Witches 2. She is one of the more famous witches known throughout the world, though she insists that she doesn't do autographes. She was formerly in a Karlsland squad alongside Barkhorn and Erica, who weren't fond of her showing off. She has a competitive attitude and tries to motivate Erica, who she views as her equal, to compete for the tiebreaker, which due to her slack nature rarely happens. Her pilot archtype is Hans-Joachim Marseille. When transformed her ears and tail bear a strong resemblance to those of Wile E. Coyote.


 * Wilma Bishop (ウィルマ・ビショップ)

Lynette's older sister, who was a former witch in the Farawayland Air Force.


 * Amelie Planchard (アメリー・プランシャール)

A friend of Perrine's from the Gallian Witches Army. Her pilot archtype is Henri Planchard.


 * Nikka Edvardine Katajainen (ニッカ・エドワーディン・カタヤイネン)

A master sergeant, nicknamed Nipa, who appears to be old friends with Eila. She has a habit of having crash landings and breaking her Striker Units. Her pilot archtype is Nils Katajainen.


 * Helma Lannartz (ヘルマ・レンナルツ)

A test pilot for the 131st Experimental Flight Regiment.


 * Heide-Marie W. Schnaufer (ハイデマリー・W・シュナウファー)

A lieutenant from the Karlsland Airforce 1st Night Fighter Wing, who has night vision powers. She defends an area alone and thus lacks social skills, sometimes being mistaken for a ghost. Her pilot archtype is Heinz-Wolfgang Schnaufer.

Other Characters

 * Michiko Yamakawa (山川美千子)

Yoshika's childhood friend who resides in Fuso. She cares for Yoshika deeply and worries whenever she goes off into action.


 * Christiane Barkhorn (クリスティアーネ・バルクホルン)

Chris for short, Gertrude's little sister, who was in a coma for most of the first season. Getrude usually dotes on her a lot, and she has a similar appearance to Yoshika. She is named after Gerhard Barkhorn's wife, Christl.


 * Ichirou Miyafuji (宮藤一郎)

Yoshika's father who was a researcher who helped designed the striker unit and worked alongside Mio. He is reportedly deceased, which surprises Yoshika when she starts receiving letters apparently from him.


 * Trevor Maloney (トレヴァー・マロニー)

A general with authority over the Strike Witches, though his true purpose was to find a way to disband the witches and implement his new weapon, the Warlock, which was made using Neuroi technology, to please the higher ups. However, his plan backfires when the Neuroi takes over the Warlock, and he is arrested by Minna and the other witches.


 * Maria (マリア)

A mysterious, cheerful young girl who gets saved by Lucchini from two sinister-looking men who appear to attack her in the streets of Rome. She claims not to know the city very well, even though she says to have been born and raised there. Lucchini takes an immediate liking to her and decides to show her around, spending all of the squadron's shopping budget entrusted to her in the process. Maria later turns out to be the Duchess Maria of Romagna.