Thailand’s Queen Suthida, 48, began fighter aircraft training on August 20 at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, the main base for Thailand’s Saab Gripen fleet. Her training is scheduled to continue through September 4.
The Queen already has extensive aviation experience, holding private, commercial and airline transport pilot licences. She has also flown as a co-pilot on the Thai royal Boeing 737-400 and 737-800, including alongside King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Before beginning Gripen training, Queen Suthida completed jet training on the L-39 and simulator sessions at Don Mueang. She also visited Wing 7 to study the Gripen’s systems and learn from operational pilots.
Thailand has operated the Saab Gripen since 2011, using both single-seat and two-seat variants. If Queen Suthida completes the programme and conducts a solo flight, she could become the first reigning queen in the world to fly a fighter aircraft.