King Felipe has confirmed the information coming from Princess Leonor aboard the Blas de Lezo ship. The heir to the throne has experienced her first real combat situation by participating in a military exercise organized by the Navy. This exercise was part of Operation Sinkex‑25, which simulates war scenarios, with live fire, missiles, and the sinking of an old naval ship.
The Navy deployed more than 1,900 personnel, twelve warships, and sixteen aircraft, a large-scale operation rarely carried out. The key moment came with the launch of Harpoon missiles and torpedoes that struck an old decommissioned ship, sinking it beneath the sea. Leonor witnessed the entire process, from planning to the execution of the attack, as an active member of the team, not just as a privileged observer.
King Felipe confirms the big news about Princess Leonor
Princess Leonor is finishing her last days in the Spanish Navy. After her cruise on Elcano, the heir of King Felipe is now on the Blas de Lezo frigate, a true warship. There, the firstborn of the monarchs will learn combat tactics with real weaponry and practical exercises.
In fact, the latest update about Princess Leonor is related to these war exercises in the Navy. King Felipe has admitted that Leonor has already actively participated in her first real war simulation. This debut took place as part of the Sinkex‑25 exercise, considered one of the most complex live-fire drills carried out by the Navy.
Among the drills carried out was the launch of missiles and torpedoes against floating targets in waters southwest of the Canary Islands. For two days, the princess was inside the Information and Combat Center, where crucial decisions are made and the ship's weaponry is fired.
There, with other midshipmen, she followed orders, observed defense tactics, and participated in maneuvers designed for real high-tension and dangerous situations. King Felipe has confirmed his daughter's participation in this exercise, assuring that it is part of her training without any special treatment.
King Felipe shows pride in Princess Leonor
This experience represents a huge leap in Leonor's military training, which already includes months aboard the Elcano ship during her first cruise. There, she sailed through Latin America and the United States, learning about navigation, leadership, and teamwork. All as part of her training as the future head of state.
During this journey, King Felipe hasn't hidden how proud he is of his heir and her commitment to the institution. He also underwent similar training when he was prince and now sees himself reflected in Princess Leonor.
The Royal Household insists that Leonor hasn't received any exceptions; she follows the same rules, schedules, and requirements as any other midshipman in her class. This adds even more pride for the monarchs.
The Sinkex‑25 maneuvers took place more than 310 mi. (500 km) from the Canary Islands, in international waters, a strategic environment where live-fire tests are conducted. The environment was extremely demanding, with long days, constant vigilance, and quick decisions. It was a perfect context to train the future heir to the throne's reaction under pressure.
Leonor's participation wasn't communicated immediately, in order to keep the security and normality of the exercise. It was King Felipe and the Royal Household who, hours later, confirmed the princess's participation in this live-fire exercise.
On July 3, Leonor is scheduled to disembark in Gijón and rejoin Elcano to complete her naval training journey. Then, she will complete her final military course at the Air Academy, thus achieving full training in the three branches: land, sea, and air.