On October 8, 2026, Queen Suthida of Thailand achieved a significant milestone by flying a Gripen fighter jet solo, marking her as the first female Gripen pilot in the country. The historic flight took place at an air base in Surat Thani Province, where she was observed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

The 48-year-old queen took off in a single-seat JAS 39C Gripen from Wing 7 in Phun Phin District, completing a flight that lasted 41 minutes. According to reports, the king arrived at the base at 10:06 a.m. for a private visit and participated in a briefing regarding the flight plan. After the flight, he presented her with a bouquet and a Gripen Order Golden Patch, an honorary badge from Sweden's Gripen Order, recognizing her as a full member.

This flight was part of a conversion course that Queen Suthida undertook at the invitation of the Royal Thai Air Force, following the standard training syllabus for Gripen pilots. She completed 45 academic subjects and emergency procedures earlier this year, along with 20 simulator sessions. Prior to her solo flight, she logged over 10 hours in a two-seat JAS 39D Gripen.

Queen Suthida's aviation journey began as a flight attendant for Thai Airways before she joined the security detail of the then-crown prince. She has accumulated more than 1,188 flying hours, including over 450 hours on the Boeing 737-800. Notably, she has served as co-pilot during royal trips, including a state visit to Vietnam in September 2023.

Wing 7 is home to Thailand's Gripen C/D squadron, which has been operational since 2011. The Royal Thai Air Force operates 11 of these Swedish-made jets, having ordered four newer Gripen E/F aircraft in August 2025. Queen Suthida's accomplishment is a significant step forward in promoting female representation in aviation.