By TNH Staff

Mar 7, 2026

Chrisanthi Nikolopoulou Makes History as First Greek Female F-16 Fighter Pilot

ATHENS – A young woman from Kavala, Greece, Chrisanthi Nikolopoulou has been officially named the first Greek woman to fly a F-16 fighter pilot.

All her life, Christanthi Nikolopoulou had a fascination with fighter jets. With no previous background in aviation, or family members' footsteps to follow, she decided while still in high school to apply for the Hellenic Air Force Academy.

In an interview with To Vima, today, she calls herself the "luckiest person to be able to pursue this profession" who now pilots an F-16 fighter jet.

As a career that can be quite dangerous, Nikolopoulou shared how her role "requires reflection and dedication" as danger can always appear.

"Flying a F-16 is, in itself, a unique experience, as each flight offers different emotions. Nevertheless, the environment is so demanding that you must be dedicated and focused on what you are doing every second," Nikolopoulou told To Vima.

Discussing how she felt to be the first woman in an F-16 fighter jet, she revealed her first thoughts after piloting in one for the very first time.

"It is an honor for me, and I feel particularly proud to be the first woman in the F-16s," Nikolopoulou said.
"I will make every effort to perform to the best of my abilities during my aviation career because it is not just a title, but a function."

She shared that "I still remember the first time I entered the F-16 cockpit with my instructor. I was eagerly anticipating experiencing the sensation of flight and the G-forces."

As a woman in a male-dominated field, she discusses some of the difficulties she faces day-to-day in ID missions or even engagements.
"Every mission is a challenge for the pilot, with its own peculiarities and demands. If I were to highlight one, it would be the first 'scramble' flight."

Touching upon whether she had any advice for other young girls and women who look up to her as a source of inspiration to get into the aviation industry, she told To Vima: "I would advise girls who aspire to become fighter pilots to believe that they can become and achieve what they dream of," she said.

"If they don't dare in their lives, they will never reach what they truly love. I encourage them to take risks, even when everything seems impossible and difficult. It's worth fighting for their desires and personal ambitions."