Thai Queen Makes History With First Solo Fighter Jet Flight

Fri Oct 09 2026 21:45:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Queen Suthida takes her first solo flight in a Gripen fighter, marking a new milestone for the Thai monarch and her pilot credentials.

On 8 October, Queen Suthida of Thailand executed her maiden solo flight aboard a Super‑Hornet Gripen, watched by King Maha Vajiralongkorn downtown Surat Thani. The Royal Household confirmed her 1,188 hours of flying experience since 2010 across multiple aircraft, noting her role as co‑pilot on recent kingly overseas visits. The event underscores Thailand's growing aviation ties and the queen’s personal dedication to flight. This historic moment is a unique blend of monarchy and modern air power, offering a bright view of the kingdom’s future ambitions.

Royal Flight Milestone

On 8 October, Thailand’s Queen Suthida made headlines when she took the controls of a Gripen fighter for the first time alone. The aircraft, a modern multi‑role strike jet, was launched at a southern airfield in Surat Thani Province while King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched from the ground.

In the Royal Household’s brief statement, the queen’s aviation credentials were highlighted: she logged approximately 1,188 flight hours across several types of aircraft since beginning training in 2010. The queen has also served as a co‑pilot on official trips with the king to other countries.

The event was livestreamed by BBC Thailand and set a new precedent for royal involvement in the country’s armed forces. It also symbolises a forward‑looking vision for Thailand’s military modernization and the indomitable spirit of its leaders.

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