The Royal Household has confirmed that Princess Leonor will not receive training as a helicopter pilot at the Armilla Air Base in Granada. This decision marks a significant change from the tradition followed by her father, King Felipe VI. Therefore, the heiress will not continue the training path that had caused so many expectations.
The Armilla base is one of the most renowned schools in Spain for helicopter flight instruction. It was at that same center where then-Prince Felipe completed an essential part of his military training. Thus, the absence of Leonor at this base represents a clear shift in her military preparation.
Armilla has a long history as a center of excellence in piloting and air navigation. In addition to flight practice, the courses include theoretical knowledge such as meteorology and aeronautics. These elements have been essential for those who have trained there, especially in Wing 78 of the Air Force.
The royal family renews Princess Leonor's military training
In the 1980s, Felipe VI completed his training at this base, which allowed him to acquire technical skills and strengthen his relationship with the Armed Forces. This experience was key to consolidating his future role as supreme commander of the Armies in Spain. For this reason, many had expected that Leonor would follow a similar path.
However, times have changed and so have the ways of preparing the future head of state. The Royal Household, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, has designed a training program more adapted to current challenges. This plan aims to train the princess with a broader and more cross-disciplinary vision.
Sources close to the Ministry of Defense have indicated that Leonor's training includes an in-depth knowledge of the three branches: Army, Navy, and Air Force. This way, the goal is for the heiress to understand the structure and values that underpin the Armed Forces as a whole, not just in a specific area. This comprehensive preparation will strengthen her ability to assume, in the future, the role of supreme commander of the Armies with a complete approach.
Faced with current challenges, the royal family promotes a more complete education for Princess Leonor
Leonor has completed two years of training at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza and at the Naval Military School of Marín. In September, she will begin her final year at the General Air Academy, located in San Javier. During this stage, she will receive specialized theoretical training in helicopter flight
This change reflects a process of modernization within the monarchical institution. While Felipe VI followed a more traditional training path, the princess is being prepared to assume a role more suited to global challenges. Thus, her training responds to the demands of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Leonor's education goes beyond the military and includes a rigorous academic program, the learning of several languages, and solid diplomatic training. This entire process is part of a carefully designed strategy to prepare the princess for the responsibilities she will face as future head of state. This way, the royal family is committed to a different future, in line with modern times.