Strike Witches

Strike Witches
Japanese Title: ストライクウィッチーズ

Plot
Strike Witches is set in an alternate Earth during what would be World War II. The world has been invaded by a mysterious alien force known as the Neuroi, who take on forms similar to aircraft and spread a corrosive miasma. As a result, the armed forces of the world have allied together to combat the Neuroi threat instead of fighting among themselves. As normal humans have no effect against the Neuroi's technology, the military instead calls upon Witches, young girls who possess magical abilities capable of fighting against the Neuroi. The Witches, who are inspired by famous real-life pilots, grow animal ears and tails when using their magic, and can use special machines known as Striker Units, which feature designs based on real-life aircraft, to fly through the sky and increase the strength of their magical ability in combat.

The light novel series follows the Suomus Independent Volunteer Aerial Squadron, focusing on a dogfighter named Tomoko Anabuki. The main anime franchise follows Yoshika Miyafuji, a girl from the Fusō Empire who joins the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, also known as the Strike Witches, to investigate the death of her father and help fight off the Neuroi. The spin-off anime series, Brave Witches, focuses on the 502nd Joint Fighter Wing.

Brave Witches
Japanese Title: ブレイブウィッチーズ

Plot
In September 1944, allied forces led by the 501st Joint Fighter Wing "Strike Witches" successfully eliminate the Neuroi threat from the skies of the Republic of Gallia, thus ensuring the security of western Europe. Taking advantage of this victory, allied forces begin a full-fledged push toward central and eastern Europe. From a base in Petersburg in the Empire of Orussia, the 502nd Joint Fighter Wing "Brave Witches," upon whom mankind has placed its hopes, flies with courage in the cold skies of eastern Europe.