Saab and German startup Helsing tested an AI-powered Gripen E fighter jet in air combat against a human pilot. The trial, called “Project Beyond,” was held in Sweden between May 28 and June 3, 2025. It was the first known public test of AI in beyond-visual-range aerial warfare using a fully operational jet. The AI agent, named Centaur, controlled the aircraft and simulated firing solutions in real-time combat scenarios. Funded by the Swedish government, the test showcased the rapid progress of AI in modern warfare. Saab emphasized this could redefine air combat and future fighter strategy in Europe.
Inside Centaur AI and Its Role in the Gripen E
Centaur AI was embedded directly into the Gripen E’s software, interacting with flight controls, sensors, and targeting systems in real-time. The aircraft’s architecture separated safety-critical software, allowing rapid deployment without compromising flight systems. Work began in April 2025, and the first flight occurred within eight weeks. Centaur was trained through reinforcement learning, simulating decades of flying experience within hours. It learned by competing against itself in digital dogfights, constantly evolving its tactics and decision-making abilities. The AI showed adaptive behavior, mimicking human pilots by faking attacks and repositioning before re-engagement. Test flights used simulated missile engagements and tracked targets with live sensor data.
Saab highlighted its ability to push code updates quickly, test them the same day, and refine systems at unmatched speed. This agility contrasts with the slower 10-15-year fighter programs elsewhere. Saab believes this positions the Gripen E as the most advanced platform currently capable of real AI integration. Executives called the breakthrough the “coolest thing” in the company’s history. Their focus is now shifting from slow-generation upgrades to fast, software-based advances. Project Beyond may establish a new global standard in man-machine teaming and high-speed combat development, paving the way for future air dominance.
AI-Piloted Gripen E Demonstrates Advanced Maneuvering in Simulated Combat
In the latest flight, the AI-piloted Gripen E engaged a manned Gripen D in simulated long-range combat. The engagements used varying speeds, angles, and distances to test real-time decision-making. The AI showed complex maneuvers and creativity, including feints and tactical retreats followed by re-engagement. Test pilot Marcus Wandt, also a Swedish astronaut, described flying with the AI as like riding with a human wingman. The agent respected all flight parameters and didn’t exceed system limits. Saab believes pilots will remain commanders, but AI co-pilots will soon handle most combat decisions. This frees pilots to manage strategy and coordination instead of manual controls.
Saab said future pilots will train differently, focusing more on managing intelligent systems than direct flying. The Gripen E’s software enables instant AI updates, unlike other jets stuck with outdated code. Centaur AI proved it could compete with, and even outmaneuver, skilled human pilots. The system’s adaptability and speed are reshaping how air combat is approached. Saab and Helsing plan more complex tests through 2025 to improve Centaur’s decision logic and real-time coordination. As AI advances, pilots may face increasingly tough competition from their digital counterparts. For now, skilled pilots still hold an edge, but that gap is closing fast.
Saab’s Disruptive Vision for Future Combat Systems
Project Beyond supports Sweden’s broader fighter jet research under its KFS initiative. Saab is exploring mixed fleets of crewed and autonomous jets. Although once part of the Tempest project, Sweden shifted focus to homegrown AI capabilities. Saab says software evolution will outpace hardware upgrades in future warfare. Their aim is to enable “code in the evening, fly in the morning.” The AI agent can be tested, deployed, and improved in real time. Saab believes this speed gives them a global edge. With Centaur, they are redefining military aviation, not in 2040, but today. The battlefield is changing, and Saab wants to lead it.
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