Saab Tests AI-Enabled Combat Capabilities on Gripen Jets

In a groundbreaking initiative, Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has successfully tested the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in combat scenarios involving its Gripen E fighter jets. The project, known as Project Beyond, aims to explore the reliability and effectiveness of AI in modern warfare settings. The tests were conducted in partnership with the defense startup Helsing and were fully funded by the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV).

The tests, which took place over three flights from May to June 2025, showcased the ability of Helsing's Centaur AI tool to assist pilots in launching weapons during combat operations. According to Saab, the Gripen E not only provided cues for missile launches but also allowed the AI to autonomously execute complex maneuvers in a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) environment. This capability was demonstrated during a series of dynamic scenarios where the AI faced off against a real Gripen D aircraft, utilizing real-time sensor data to track targets.

Dr. Antoine Bordes, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at Helsing, emphasized the significance of this advancement. He stated, "We estimate that the AI agent that flew during the third flight last week flew for around 50 years of the equivalent pilot years, but it took us only a few hours to do that." He further explained that the pre-flight activities began six months prior and involved extensive training using Gripen simulation data.

The implications of this project extend beyond mere technological innovation. As Marcus Wandt, Chief Innovation Officer at Saab, noted, the dynamics of aerial combat are shifting. "It is not a given that a pilot will continue to be able to win in a dogfight against an AI-supported fighter jet. There are still pilots out there that will have a chance, but that will change fast," he said. This sentiment reflects a growing trend in military aviation, where AI's role is becoming increasingly pivotal.

The Swedish Defence Material Administration has expressed its commitment to this initiative, which is part of a broader strategy aimed at redefining Sweden's future fighter capabilities by 2031. The next steps for Project Beyond may involve further simulations, including potential engagements between AI-enabled Gripens and traditional pilot-operated aircraft, as indicated by Peter Nilsson, Saab Aeronautics' head of advanced programs.

This testing also follows a recent demonstration by the U.S. Air Force, where an AI-controlled F-16, known as X-62A Vista, showcased its operational capabilities. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall remarked on the necessity of integrating AI into military strategies, stating, "It’s a security risk not to have it. At this point, we have to have it."

As nations globally continue to invest in advanced military technologies, the successful integration of AI in combat scenarios marks a significant step in redefining aerial warfare. Saab's advancements in this field may set a precedent for future developments in military aviation technology, raising questions about the balance between human and machine in combat roles. Looking ahead, the military and defense industries must grapple with the ethical implications and the rapid evolution of combat technologies driven by artificial intelligence.