Saab and Helsing have completed three test flights of Centaur, an AI agent developed for autonomous air combat, aboard a Gripen E fighter jet as part of Saab’s Project Beyond. The first took place on 28 May and the third on 3 June. All flights were conducted over the Baltic Sea, with a safety pilot on standby and a second Gripen acting as the adversary.

The tests focused on Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) scenarios, in which Centaur took full control of the aircraft. Onboard Gripen E sensors were used to identify and track targets, with Centaur cueing the pilot to fire. The third flight tested adaptability by changing speeds, angles and starting positions, and by disabling command and control data.

According to Saab, the rapid development of the AI testbed—under six months from conception to flight—highlights the Gripen E’s ability to integrate new software without compromising safety. Unlike other platforms that rely on experimental aircraft or restricted test zones, Gripen E allows AI software to be flown in live environments.

“This is an important achievement for Saab, demonstrating our qualitative edge in sophisticated technologies by making AI deliver in the air,” says Peter Nilsson, head of advanced programmes at Saab Aeronautics. “We are excited to continue developing and refining how this and other AI agents can be used.”

Stephanie Lingemann, senior director air domain at Helsing, adds: “These test flights mark a pioneering step in autonomous air combat and a turning point for the future of European defence.”

Helsing’s Centaur was trained using its RL-Factory, enabling it to simulate decades of virtual combat in 24 hours. Antoine Bordes, Helsing’s vice president artificial intelligence, says: “Centaur already offers human-level capabilities to control aircraft during high complexity missions and will critically support human pilots.”

Test pilot and chief innovation officer Marcus Wandt flew Centaur on one of the missions. He says: “It took us less than half a year to go from defining the operational scenario to lift off and test flight.”

The AI combat trials are part of Sweden’s Concept programme for Future Fighter Systems, fully funded by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Further development and additional test flights are planned throughout the year.