Queen Suthida of Thailand completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen jet fighter on 8/10, observed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The King visited the 7th Air Wing base in Phun Phin district, Surat Thani province, for the occasion.

Following pre-flight inspections, Queen Suthida maneuvered the Gripen onto the runway and took off.

Queen Suthida conducts solo training flight in a Gripen fighter. *Video: X/rwthofficial*

After the flight, King Maha presented Queen Suthida with flowers and a gold-embroidered Gripen Order insignia. This insignia is awarded to Thai pilots who have successfully completed flights in the JAS 39 Gripen fighter.

Thai media reported that Queen Suthida underwent rigorous air force-standard training for the flight. She had resided in Surat Thani province since August, practicing extensively on a cockpit simulator.

Before her solo certification, Queen Suthida had accumulated 10 hours and 13 minutes of flight time in a two-seat JAS 39D version, guided by a training pilot.

Queen Suthida in the cockpit of a JAS 39C Gripen fighter on 8/10. *Photo: Bangkok Post*

Both the King and Queen of Thailand are certified pilots, capable of operating various aircraft. They each hold a commercial pilot license (CPL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine light fighter developed by Sweden's Saab group, entering service in 1996. Approximately 300 units have been produced, serving in the armed forces of seven countries worldwide.

Thailand initially acquired 12 Gripen C/D fighters and currently operates 11 units, following a JAS 39C crash in 1/2017. In 8/2025, Thailand placed an order for 4 additional Gripen E/F aircraft, with Saab expecting to commence deliveries in 2030.

Nhu Tam (According to Bangkok Post, Nation Thailand)