Queen Suthida of Thailand piloted a Gripen fighter jet alone

Queen Suthida of Thailand has piloted a Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet solo for the first time. The flight took place on October 8, 2026, at Air Base 7 in Surat Thani province and marked the completion of her conversion course for the aircraft designated “Type 20” by the Royal Thai Air Force.

The solo flight began at 10:06 a.m. local time and lasted 41 minutes. The Queen carried out the pre-flight checks, taxied to Runway 22 and took off in the single-seat aircraft. King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the air force commander and the base commander watched the operation. Upon landing, the King presented her with flowers and pinned the emblem of the “Golden Gripen” Order on her.

According to the Bureau of the Royal Household, Suthida is Thailand’s first female Gripen pilot. Her training included 45 theoretical modules, emergency procedures, 20 simulator sessions and approximately ten hours of flight time in the two-seat JAS 39D variant alongside an instructor. The Queen has more than 1,188 flight hours on several types of aircraft.

Thailand currently operates 11 Gripen C/D aircraft and has ordered four Gripen E/F aircraft, with deliveries scheduled through 2030.