The first flight, conducted on 28 May 2025, represents a significant milestone in Saab’s development of advanced autonomous capabilities, with the Gripen E’s digital backbone once again proving its ability to rapidly incorporate complex software upgrades without compromising airworthiness or safety.

AI in Command

During the test flights, Centaur was given control of the Gripen E under Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat conditions. The AI autonomously executed advanced manoeuvres, cued the pilot to fire, and demonstrated real-time tactical decision-making—an unprecedented development in manned fighter platforms.

“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. “We are excited to continue developing and refining how this and other AI agents can be used, while once again showing how our fighters will outperform faster than the opponent can evolve.”

Flight-Ready Autonomy, Not Just Theory

Thanks to the Gripen E’s modular architecture, the AI was fully integrated into the fighter’s avionics without relying on specialised test ranges or experimental aircraft. The platform’s open architecture allowed flight trials to be conducted safely and efficiently under operationally representative conditions.

“Within Project Beyond and other programmes, we utilise the power of software to rapidly explore and blur the lines between ‘now’ and the future; in software there are no generations, only speed,” Nilsson added.

Tested Against Real Threats

A key highlight of the trials came during the third flight on 3 June, where Centaur was pitted against a manned Gripen D in a live BVR engagement scenario. Using real-time sensor integration, the AI tracked, assessed, and responded dynamically to the target aircraft.

Test parameters were deliberately varied to evaluate Centaur‘s robustness—ranging from changes in aspect angles and speeds to the disabling of command-and-control (C2) data links—highlighting the AI’s capacity to adapt under pressure.

Building Trustworthy AI for Future Air Combat

Jointly led by Saab and Helsing, the Project Beyond team will now analyse the flight data and refine Centaur’s capabilities further. With the full backing of the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), this initiative is a cornerstone of Sweden’s Concept programme for Future Fighter Systems.

Gripen E’s ability to fly with AI onboard today—without waiting for a future “X-plane” or decades-long development cycle—once again cements Saab’s position at the leading edge of fast, flexible, and future-ready combat aviation.