Thailand’s Queen Suthida flies Gripen fighter jet solo

Thailand's Queen Suthida recently demonstrated her piloting skills by flying a Saab JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet solo. The footage, released by the Royal Office on October 8, 2026, captures her maneuvering the Swedish-made aircraft at the Royal Thai Air Force's Wing 7 in Surat Thani province. This solo flight showcases the Queen's extensive aviation training and her active involvement with Thailand's air force.

The Saab JAS 39C Gripen is a versatile multirole combat aircraft originally developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab, designed to handle missions such as air defense and air-to-air combat. The aircraft is utilized by numerous air forces globally. The Royal Office shared the video of the flight, providing the public with a unique perspective of Queen Suthida operating one of the advanced military aircraft.