During the European autumn, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria completed an in-depth study on Swedish Air Force operations, a stage that is part of her training as an officer in the Armed Forces.
The activity, carried out by the Air Combat School, aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the strategic and operational work of Sweden’s military aviation.
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The training included modules on air and space power, operational planning, air defense, future studies and innovation. According to the Chief of the Air Force, Jonas Wikman, the goal was “to offer a clear understanding of the air and space domain and of the role played by the Air Force in terms of national defense.”
At the start of the program, the Crown Princess visited the Air Force Memorial Hall, dedicated to service members who lost their lives in duty. The experience, according to instructors, reinforced the historical and cultural significance of the branch.
Practical training and contact with defense systems
The agenda included a stop at the Air Defense Regiment in Halmstad, where the Princess received instructions on NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) system, observed the Patriot system in operation, and trained on advanced simulators.
She also visited the Air Combat School’s experimental office, where she learned about studies related to NATO’s mission in Poland, including nighttime aerial refueling techniques and counter-drone combat. The Princess tested the LOKE anti-drone system as part of the practical activities.
At the Air Simulation Center (FLSC), she experienced advanced-level air combat scenarios under the guidance of a combat leader.
Highlight: Crown Princess flies in a JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet
The highlight of the training took place at the Norrbotten Air Wing in Luleå, where the Crown Princess had the opportunity to fly in a JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet during an exercise mission.
After receiving instructions on planning and conducting air operations, she met with the Fighter Squadron and took part in a simulation involving air combat and defense against two fictional adversary aircraft attempting to attack strategic bridges in Swedish territory.
According to Johan Lörelius, administrator of the Air Combat School, the Princess flew alongside the division commander:
“The Crown Princess was highly focused and was impressed by the tactics, the level of cooperation, and the capabilities of the JAS 39 Gripen fighters during the mission.”
The exercise marked the first time that the future Queen of Sweden participated in an operational flight in a high-performance fighter jet, a milestone considered symbolic within her military training.
Focus on the space domain
The final stage of the program included a visit to the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, operated by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). The site, which has supported scientific missions for over 60 years and is developing a satellite launch platform, presented the Crown Princess with the growing interdependence between air and space operations.
SSC highlighted the value of the visit, emphasizing the multidisciplinary environment involving pilots, engineers, and mission specialists.
Continuation of military training
During 2024 and 2025, the Crown Princess completed the special officer training program at the Swedish Defence University, including naval tactics studies. Promoted to second lieutenant, she continues advanced studies in the Air Force and Army and is expected to complete the land-based phase of her training in 2026.
Source and images: Forsvarsmakten | X @Forsvarsmakten. Content created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team.
