Saab Tests AI Co-Pilot in Gripen Fighter Jet for First Time

Saab, in partnership with defense AI company Helsing, has completed three test flights integrating Helsing’s artificial intelligence (AI) agent ‘Centaur’ into a Gripen E fighter jet, marking a key milestone in its Swedish-funded “Project Beyond.”

The first flight took place on May 28, with the third conducted on June 3.

As part of the tests, the Gripen E handed over control to Centaur, allowing the AI to autonomously perform advanced manoeuvres in simulated Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat scenarios. The AI agent cued the pilot for missile firing decisions during these engagements, demonstrating its operational utility in real-time air combat conditions.

The third flight, held on June 3, was designed to test Centaur’s performance against a real Gripen D aircraft. It featured a range of dynamic BVR scenarios, using live sensor data to track the opposing aircraft. Test variables included changes in starting distances, speeds, and angles, and even the removal of command-and-control data to test Centaur’s robustness and adaptability.

According to Saab, the design of the Gripen E allows software like Centaur to be integrated and flown directly in the operational aircraft, avoiding the need for restricted test environments or experimental platforms.

Project Beyond, fully funded by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), is part of Sweden’s Concept programme for Future Fighter Systems. Saab and Helsing will continue analysing flight data and training Centaur to enhance its capability, with additional flights planned later in the year.