THE heir to the Spanish throne has completed her first flight in an F-5 fighter jet, flying alongside an instructor as part of her final phase at the General Air and Space Academy (AGA).
The flight took place on April 22 at Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz.
The F-5 is used by the Spanish Air and Space Force to train future fighter pilots before they move on to frontline aircraft such as the Eurofighter and EF-18.
During the flight, she occupied the student seat, observing the high-level training procedures followed by cadets specialising in fighter operations.
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The milestone comes after a recent visit to Los Llanos Air Base in Albacete, where Princess Leonor and fellow cadets were briefed on operations carried out by the 14th Wing.
This unit plays a key role in safeguarding Spanish airspace and participating in NATO missions.
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According to the Casa Real, the purpose of the visit was to give cadets ‘first-hand knowledge of the operational procedures of the Air Force and Space units’.
While in Albacete, the group toured maintenance hangars and learned about the Eurofighter, including its role in national defence and international deployments.
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They were also introduced to the NATO Tactical Leadership Programme (TLP), which provides training for advanced fighter pilots in command strategies.
Her time at the AGA in San Javier, Murcia, is set to end in mid-July, marking the completion of a three-year military training programme.
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The programme forms part of her preparation for her future role as Captain General of the Armed Forces.
Although the course will finish this summer, her official graduation will not take place until July 2027, when she will receive her commissions as lieutenant in the Army and Air Force and Ensign in the Navy.
Ceremonies will take place in Zaragoza, Marin and San Javier alongside her fellow graduates.
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