Queen Suthida of Thailand, 48, has completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter aircraft, marking a major milestone in her military aviation training.
She began training on the Swedish-built fighter in August and followed the Royal Thai Air Force’s standard training program. This included simulator sessions and more than 10 hours flying the two-seat JAS 39D Gripen before receiving clearance for her solo flight.
Queen Suthida already had extensive aviation experience, with more than 1,188 flight hours and civilian pilot qualifications that include a Boeing 737 type rating. She has also served as a co-pilot aboard the Thai royal Boeing 737. Before starting Gripen training, she trained on the L-39 jet trainer and completed additional simulator exercises.
Thailand has operated the Gripen since 2011, using both single-seat and two-seat versions. Reports at the beginning of her training suggested that completing the solo flight could make Queen Suthida the first reigning queen in the world to pilot a fighter aircraft.
