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Princess Leonor prepares for military training at San Javier's General Air Academy
The heir to the throne joins a growing cohort amid upgraded facilities and modern aircraft
The General Air and Space Academy (AGA) in San Javier is ready to welcome Princess Leonor on 1 September, as she begins the final year of her military training alongside 74 other fourth-year students. This was confirmed by Colonel Luis Felipe González Asenjo, the Academy’s director, during a visit by Spain’s Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles.Following in the footsteps of her father King Felipe VI and grandfather King Juan Carlos I, Princess Leonor will complete her military education near the Mar Menor, having previously studied at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and the Naval Military School in Marín.
Recent investments at San Javier include upgraded student accommodation and a refreshed fleet of 38 new Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft replacing older models. The modernised fleet aims to unify and advance pilot training across Spain.
The princess will start with theoretical training alongside her fellow cadets before her first flights on the Pilatus, always accompanied by an instructor. Students will eventually specialise in fighter, transport, helicopter, or drone piloting. Colonel Asenjo stressed there is no set timetable for solo flying: “Some people are ready in a month, others take longer. The important thing is to progress slowly and consistently.” Training also involves advanced flight simulators that replicate real flying conditions.
At the Academy, Princess Leonor will share a four-bed room with three other female cadets in the AGA pavilion. Student numbers have risen to 483 this year, including 17 women in the first year alone.
Second Lieutenant Yoel Cordón Arnedo, a fellow fourth-year cadet, said, “The Princess will be another colleague. We will support her in whatever she needs.” Commander Carlos Puerta, head of the Student Squadron, will oversee her training and discipline.
Daily routines begin at 6.30 a.m. and include classes, simulator training, and time for sports or relaxation by the sea. Weekends may allow time away from the Academy, and holidays like Christmas and Easter will be observed.
In addition to traditional military training, students take courses in space defence and work on satellite testing, showing how the Academy blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
Alongside her training, Princess Leonor will also continue a public role, with planned visits to regional government bodies during her time in Murcia.
Her arrival marks a new chapter for the Academy as it expands and modernises, providing a prestigious home for Spain’s future military leaders and its future queen.
Image: wikicommons
