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2 clusters · 19 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Queen Suthida solo Gripen fighter flight

Overview

On October 8, 2026, Queen Suthida of Thailand completed a historic 41-minute solo flight in a single-seat Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet. The mission took place at the Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7 base in Surat Thani province.

The flight followed a rigorous training program consisting of 45 academic subjects, 20 simulator sessions, and approximately 10 hours of flight time in a two-seat JAS 39D Gripen. Having logged over 1,188 flying hours across various aircraft, including Boeing 737s, since 2010, the Queen became Thailand’s first female Gripen pilot.

Upon her successful landing, King Maha Vajiralongkorn presented the Queen with a bouquet of flowers and the ‘Gripen Order Golden Patch’. The Swedish-based Gripen Order officially recognized her as a full member, signifying the completion of the aircraft’s qualification process.

Entities

King Maha Vajiralongkorn · Queen Suthida · Saab · Royal Thai Air Force · Wing 7

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
    Queen Suthida completes historic solo Gripen fighter jet flight

    Thailand’s Queen Suthida has become the country’s first female Gripen pilot after completing a successful 41-minute solo flight in a JAS 39C fighter jet in Surat Thani.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 13 sources
    Queen Suthida of Thailand completes historic solo Gripen fighter flight

    Thailand’s Queen Suthida became the first reigning queen to fly a modern fighter jet solo, completing a 41-minute mission in a Saab JAS 39C Gripen in Surat Thani.

Sources

aviatorsmaldives.com · balkanweb.com · defence-industry.eu · delo.si · ekonomickydenik.cz · epochtimes.com · galaxiamilitar.es · gulfnews.com · hotnews.ro · international.sindonews.com · medcom.id · naftemporiki.gr · news20.ro · newsable.asianetnews.com · newsbeast.gr · newsclip.be · scandasia.com · skaneplus.se · wykop.pl

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history