Historical flight from the Queen! He flew the fighter plane alone, meaningful gesture from the king

Queen Suthida of Thailand broke new ground in the country's history by using a fighter plane alone. In the images shared by the Royal Palace on October 9, details of the 48-year-old Queen's flight with the Swedish-made Gripen fighter jet were revealed.

Queen Suthida took off with a single-seat JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet from a military air base in Surat Thani province in southern Thailand on October 8. The Queen's flight was watched by her husband, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, who is also very interested in piloting.

According to information provided by media outlets, Suthida received simulator training at a military air base for weeks before flying alone. The Queen also flew for approximately 10 hours in her two-seater Gripen fighter jet.

After these preparations, Suthida took off with a single-seat JAS 39C and became Thailand's first female Gripen pilot with her successful flight.

After the flight, King Maha Vajiralongkorn welcomed his wife with a bouquet of flowers. The King also placed the "Order of the Golden Gripen" coat of arms on the Queen's left arm. The coat of arms ceremony in question was one of the remarkable moments after the Queen's flight.

Queen Suthida's interest in aviation is not new. Suthida, who previously worked as a cabin crew member at Thai Airways, married King Maha Vajiralongkorn in 2019, just days before the king's coronation.

Suthida started his flight training in 2010 and has gained approximately 1,190 hours of flight experience to date. The Queen often serves as co-pilot alongside the King on royal travels.

Among these flights is the flight to Paro Airport in Bhutan, which is known for its difficult geographical conditions and landing difficulties.

Thailand currently operates a fleet of Gripen C/D fighter jets manufactured by Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab.

The country signed an agreement worth approximately $556 million with Saab in 2025, covering the purchase of three Gripen E and one Gripen F fighter jets. Within the scope of the agreement, deliveries of new aircraft are planned to be made until 2030.