Between 2025 and early 2026, Saab reached a series of landmark achievements in integrating artificial intelligence into its Gripen E fighter jet. Central to this progress was Saab’s close collaboration with Helsing, a German defense technology firm specializing in advanced AI systems.
A Major AI Breakthrough: Project Beyond
In mid-2025, Saab and Helsing successfully concluded the first-ever live flight tests in which an AI agent, named Centaur, assumed full control of a production-standard Gripen E during air combat maneuvers. Conducted under Project Beyond, these tests marked a historic step toward operational autonomous combat aviation.
Live Combat Simulations over the Baltic Sea
During flight trials on May 28 and June 3, 2025, over the Baltic Sea, Centaur autonomously carried out Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat scenarios against a human-piloted Gripen D. The AI demonstrated the ability to detect, track, and respond to threats without direct human input, highlighting its potential role in future air combat environments.
Human–Machine Teaming in the Cockpit
Although a safety pilot remained onboard, Centaur processed sensor data in real time to plan tactical maneuvers, evade simulated threats, and generate missile-firing cues. This setup showcased a new level of pilot–AI collaboration, where the AI acted as both tactician and decision-support system rather than a simple automation tool.
Rapid Development through Self-Learning
One of the most striking aspects of the program was its speed. The AI system was integrated and flight-tested in less than six months. Centaur was trained primarily through self-play in advanced simulators, where it competed against itself and accumulated the equivalent of nearly 50 years of flight experience in only a few days.
Strategic Advancements Shaping 2025–2026
Software-Defined Combat Edge
Project Beyond reflects Saab’s philosophy of “no generations, only speed.” Leveraging the Gripen E’s modular, software-defined architecture, new capabilities can be deployed in days rather than years.
Path to Future Fighters
The trials directly support Sweden’s Future Fighter Concept Studies, contributing data and insights for the development of next-generation crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft planned for the 2030s and beyond.
International Sales and Interoperability
In late 2025, Saab secured major Gripen E/F export contracts, including 17 aircraft for Colombia and additional orders from Thailand. Saab also continued marketing the Gripen E as a “fifth-generation technology” solution for the Indian Air Force’s MRFA program.
AI-Driven Electronic Warfare
In December 2025, Saab and Helsing received orders to equip German Eurofighter aircraft with the Arexis Electronic Warfare suite, incorporating AI technologies developed through their strategic partnership.
Status as of January 2026
By early January 2026, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) continued funding Gripen development to ensure the platform remains a cornerstone for future autonomous combat capabilities. Ongoing analysis of data gathered during the 2025 flight tests is now being used to further refine Centaur, with a particular focus on complex multi-aircraft and cooperative combat scenarios.
