Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana completed her first solo flight in a single-seat Saab JAS-39C Gripen fighter on October 8, 2026, flying from the Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7 base in Surat Thani, southern Thailand.
The flight followed military aviation training and marked a significant milestone in the queen’s flying career. According to the report, she became the first reigning queen to pilot a fighter jet solo, while King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched the flight from the ground.
Thailand’s Queen Suthida Completes Solo Gripen Fighter Flight
Queen Suthida flew the single-seat JAS-39C Gripen after completing preparatory training that included simulator sessions and flights in several training aircraft. Her first solo sortie in the fighter added to her experience across military and civilian aviation.
The Royal Thai Air Force conducted the training in line with its standards. Before flying the single-seat Gripen, the queen trained in the Pilatus PC-9 turboprop trainer, the L-39 Albatros jet trainer and the two-seat JAS-39D Gripen.
The flight took place at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, a Royal Thai Air Force base in southern Thailand. Surat Thani is also served by Surat Thani International Airport (URT).
Queen Suthida’s Fighter Pilot Training
Queen Suthida’s preparation involved several stages designed to build her familiarity with aircraft handling and Gripen operations.
She first flew the Pilatus PC-9 turboprop and the L-39 Albatros jet trainer. She also completed sessions in a Gripen flight simulator before undertaking 10 hours of flight time with an instructor aboard the two-seat JAS-39D Gripen.
The training provided experience in the Gripen before she took control of the single-seat JAS-39C. Unlike the two-seat JAS-39D, the JAS-39C is configured for a single pilot.
Her solo flight on October 8 followed this preparation and represented a new milestone in her aviation experience.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Watches the Flight
King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X, watched Queen Suthida’s solo fighter flight from the ground.
After she landed, the king presented her with flowers and pinned a Gripen Order Golden Patch badge onto her uniform. The badge was embroidered with gold thread.
The ceremony marked the completion of the flight and recognised the queen’s achievement following her military aviation training.
Queen Suthida Has More Than 1,188 Flying Hours
Queen Suthida has accumulated more than 1,188 flying hours across different aircraft types, according to the report. Her qualifications include several light and commercial aircraft, as well as the Boeing 737-400 and Boeing 737-800.
She has also served as a co-pilot aboard Boeing 737 aircraft during state visits. Her experience in commercial aviation provided a foundation for her broader flying career, while the Gripen flight added a solo sortie in a high-performance military fighter.
The JAS-39C flight differed from her previous work aboard commercial aircraft because it involved a single-seat fighter rather than a passenger airliner operated by a flight crew.
Thailand Marks 15 Years of Gripen Operations
The Gripen flown by Queen Suthida carried special tail artwork marking 15 years of Gripen service in Thailand in 2026.
Thailand purchased 12 Saab Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden. The aircraft form part of the Royal Thai Air Force’s combat aircraft fleet.
The report also states that Thai Gripen fighters were used during border clashes with Cambodia in July and December 2025. Their reported operational use highlights the aircraft’s role in Thailand’s military aviation capabilities.
Queen Suthida’s solo flight therefore took place against the background of the Gripen fleet’s long-standing service with the Royal Thai Air Force.
What Queen Suthida’s Solo Flight Means
Queen Suthida’s first solo flight in the JAS-39C Gripen adds a military fighter aircraft to her extensive flying experience. Her training included turboprop and jet trainers, simulator sessions and supervised flights in the two-seat Gripen.
The October 8 flight also drew attention because the report identifies her as the first reigning queen to fly a fighter jet solo. It combined a personal aviation milestone with a public demonstration of her military flight training.
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