Sweden has conducted a series of test flights using artificial intelligence (AI) to operate a Gripen E fighter jet in a simulated air combat environment, Saab has announced.
Working in partnership with defence software company Helsing, Saab successfully completed the first three flights with an AI agent — named Centaur — fully integrated into the aircraft’s systems. The tests are part of Project Beyond, an initiative supported by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to explore the use of AI in future fighter development.
The first flight took place on 28 May, with subsequent flights conducted in early June. During the trials, Centaur autonomously performed complex manoeuvres in a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) scenario and cued the pilot to fire.
“This is an important achievement for Saab, demonstrating our qualitative edge in sophisticated technologies by making AI deliver in the air,” said Peter Nilsson, head of Advanced Programmes at Saab’s Aeronautics Business Area. “The swift integration and successful flight testing of Helsing’s AI in a Gripen E exemplifies the accelerated capability gain you can get from our fighter.”
The company highlighted the aircraft’s ability to integrate new software rapidly and safely. Saab stated that unlike other programmes which rely on test aircraft or restricted airspace, the Gripen E can operate with AI software installed while remaining in its production-standard configuration.
“Within Project Beyond and other programmes, we utilise the power of software to rapidly explore and blur the lines between ‘now’ and the future,” added Nilsson. “In software there are no generations, only speed.”
The third test flight, on 3 June, involved a more complex scenario in which the AI agent went head-to-head with a real Gripen D aircraft in a series of dynamic engagements. These included varied starting distances, approach speeds, angles, and the temporary removal of command and control (C2) data to test the AI’s adaptability.
According to Saab, these trials are designed to evaluate how trustworthy and resilient AI can be in combat air scenarios. The Project Beyond team will now analyse flight data to improve Centaur’s performance, with more test flights scheduled later in the year.
The effort forms part of Sweden’s broader Concept programme to develop future fighter systems and air defence capabilities.
