Queen of Thailand completes first solo flight in Gripen fighter jet (1 photo + 2 videos)
Category: Aviation
Today, 17:16
Prior to takeoff, Suthida Vajiralongkorn completed her pre-flight inspection before taxiing the JAS 39C onto the runway solo. 
King Maha Vajiralongkorn watched the takeoff and landing. Following her successful touchdown, he greeted his wife with a bouquet of flowers and presented her with a golden Gripen pin—a badge awarded to pilots who have flown the fighter jet.
The Queen has logged 1,188 flight hours across various aircraft types. She previously flew as co-pilot alongside the King, including during a visit to Bhutan where they landed at Paro International Airport—considered one of the world's most challenging airfields to navigate.
