In a remote testing range over the Baltic Sea, a Saab Gripen E fighter jet streaked through the sky, its movements guided not solely by a human pilot but by an artificial intelligence system named Centaur. This scene, unfolding during a series of test flights conducted by Swedish defense company Saab and AI specialist Helsing, marked a historic milestone in military aviation.
Between May 28 and June 3, 2025, Saab announced the successful integration of Helsing’s Centaur AI into the Gripen E, enabling the jet to autonomously execute complex combat maneuvers in simulated beyond-visual-range [BVR] scenarios.
The achievement, part of Saab’s ambitious Project Beyond, underscores a leap toward autonomous warfare, offering a glimpse into the future of air combat where machines could play a decisive role alongside human pilots. This development, funded by Sweden’s Defense Material Administration, positions Saab at the forefront of a technological race reshaping global defense strategies.
Saab, a stalwart of the aerospace and defense industry since its founding in 1937, has long been recognized for its innovative approach to fighter jet design. Based in Linköping, Sweden, the company has built a reputation for producing agile, cost-effective aircraft tailored for modern warfare. Its flagship product, the Gripen E, is a single-engine, multi-role fighter designed for flexibility, boasting advanced avionics and a modular architecture that allows rapid software updates.
The recent test flights, conducted in collaboration with Helsing, a European AI firm specializing in defense applications, demonstrated the jet’s ability to integrate cutting-edge AI without requiring specialized test aircraft or restricted military ranges. This capability sets Gripen E apart in an industry where adaptability and speed of innovation are increasingly critical.
The significance of these flights extends beyond technical prowess. As global tensions rise, from Eastern Europe to the Indo-Pacific, nations are investing heavily in next-generation defense technologies. The integration of AI into fighter jets like the Gripen E could redefine air combat, offering faster decision-making and enhanced precision in high-stakes environments.
Peter Nilsson, head of Advanced Programmes at Saab’s Aeronautics Business Area, described the achievement as a testament to the company’s technological edge. “This is an important achievement for Saab, demonstrating our qualitative edge in sophisticated technologies by making AI deliver in the air,” Nilsson said in a statement. He emphasized the Gripen E’s ability to rapidly integrate new software, allowing it to outpace competitors in adapting to evolving threats.
The Gripen E, formally known as the JAS 39E, is a cornerstone of Saab’s portfolio. Measuring approximately 15.2 meters in length with a wingspan of 8.6 meters, it is powered by a General Electric F414G engine, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2. Its design prioritizes agility and situational awareness, equipped with an active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar and advanced electronic warfare systems.
Unlike its predecessors, the Gripen E features enhanced networking capabilities, enabling seamless data sharing with other platforms. Its open-architecture software allows developers to integrate new systems, such as Centaur, without extensive hardware modifications. This flexibility proved critical during the recent tests, where the AI agent was fully embedded into the jet’s systems, controlling maneuvers and providing real-time cues to the pilot.
Helsing, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, Germany, has quickly emerged as a leader in AI-driven defense solutions. The company focuses on developing autonomous systems that enhance situational awareness and decision-making in complex environments. Its Centaur AI, designed to process vast amounts of sensor data in real-time, represents a significant advancement in military applications of artificial intelligence.
During the test flights, Centaur demonstrated its ability to autonomously navigate the Gripen E through dynamic BVR scenarios, where targets are engaged at distances beyond visual range, relying heavily on radar and sensor data. The AI’s performance was rigorously evaluated, with tests varying starting distances, speeds, and even disabling command-and-control [C2] data links to assess its robustness.
The first flight, conducted on May 28, marked the initial integration of Centaur into the Gripen E. The AI successfully executed maneuvers in a simulated combat environment, guiding the jet through complex scenarios while providing cues to the pilot for weapon deployment. Subsequent flights, culminating on June 3, pitted the AI-controlled Gripen E against a manned Gripen D, a predecessor model, in a series of dynamic BVR engagements.
The Gripen D, a proven platform in service with the Swedish Air Force, shares many characteristics with the Gripen E but lacks its advanced software capabilities. The tests showcased Centaur’s ability to track targets using sensor data, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain operational effectiveness even when communication links were disrupted.
Saab’s partnership with Helsing is part of Project Beyond, an initiative aimed at exploring next-generation technologies for future fighter systems. Supported by Sweden’s Defense Material Administration, known as FMV, the project reflects Sweden’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in defense despite its neutral stance in global geopolitics.
The FMV, responsible for procuring and developing equipment for the Swedish armed forces, has prioritized innovation in response to growing regional security concerns, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The successful integration of Centaur into the Gripen E aligns with Sweden’s broader Concept Programme for Future Fighter Systems, which seeks to develop capabilities to counter emerging threats through 2040 and beyond.
The Gripen E’s design philosophy has long emphasized cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility, making it a compelling option for nations seeking advanced fighters without the prohibitive costs of larger platforms like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. The F-35, a stealth multirole fighter developed for the U.S. and its allies, boasts advanced sensors and networking but comes with a price tag exceeding $100 million per unit. In contrast, the Gripen E, with an estimated cost of $85 million, offers comparable capabilities for smaller air forces.
Its ability to operate from austere airfields and its lower maintenance costs have made it a popular choice for countries like Brazil, which operates 36 Gripen E jets, and Sweden, which has ordered 60. The integration of AI further enhances its appeal, potentially attracting new customers in NATO and beyond.
The global defense industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by the rapid adoption of AI and autonomous systems. The U.S., for instance, has invested heavily in programs like the Collaborative Combat Aircraft [CCA], which aims to develop uncrewed drones that operate alongside manned fighters like the F-35. Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat developed for Australia, and BAE Systems’ Taranis demonstrator in the UK represent similar efforts to integrate autonomy into air combat.
Russia and China are also advancing their own AI-driven platforms, with China’s J-20 stealth fighter incorporating AI-assisted targeting systems. Saab’s achievement with the Gripen E places it in direct competition with these programs, offering a manned platform with autonomous capabilities that could bridge the gap between current and future fighter systems.
The test flights conducted by Saab and Helsing were not without challenges. Integrating AI into a fighter jet requires rigorous safety and reliability standards, as any malfunction could have catastrophic consequences. The Gripen E’s open-architecture software mitigated these risks by allowing seamless updates and testing in operational conditions.
Unlike experimental platforms, which often require dedicated test ranges, the Gripen E conducted these flights in realistic environments, demonstrating its readiness for real-world applications. The ability to integrate AI without relying on specialized aircraft underscores the jet’s versatility, a key selling point for Saab in a competitive market.
The collaboration between Saab and Helsing also highlights Europe’s growing role in defense innovation. As the U.S. dominates the high-end fighter market with the F-35, European companies like Saab, Airbus, and BAE Systems are carving out niches through specialization.
Sweden, despite its small population of 10 million, has a long history of producing advanced defense systems, from the Bofors anti-aircraft gun to the Gripen series. Its neutrality has allowed it to market its products globally without the geopolitical baggage associated with American or Russian systems. Helsing, with its focus on AI, complements Saab’s hardware expertise, creating a synergy that could challenge larger competitors.
The financial implications of this breakthrough are significant for Saab. The company, listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm, reported revenues of approximately $4.5 billion in 2024, with its Aeronautics Business Area contributing nearly half. The successful integration of AI could boost investor confidence, particularly as defense budgets expand globally.
Countries in Eastern Europe, such as Poland and the Baltic states, are increasing military spending in response to regional threats, creating opportunities for Saab to secure new contracts. Brazil, already a Gripen E operator, may seek to upgrade its fleet with AI capabilities, while nations like Thailand and South Africa, which operate earlier Gripen models, could consider the E variant.
The test flights also raise broader questions about the role of AI in warfare. Autonomous systems, while offering tactical advantages, pose ethical and operational challenges. The ability of Centaur to control a fighter jet in combat scenarios prompts debate about the extent to which machines should make life-and-death decisions. International frameworks, such as the United Nations discussions on lethal autonomous weapons, are grappling with these issues.
Saab and Helsing have emphasized that Centaur operates in tandem with a human pilot, ensuring oversight, but the potential for fully autonomous operations remains a topic of concern. Regulatory hurdles could also slow the adoption of AI in military aviation, particularly in NATO countries with strict certification processes.
Looking ahead, Saab and Helsing plan to analyze data from the recent flights to refine Centaur’s capabilities. Additional test flights are scheduled throughout 2025, with a focus on enhancing the AI’s performance in complex scenarios. The Project Beyond team is exploring how AI can be integrated into other aspects of Gripen E’s operations, such as electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
The FMV’s support ensures a steady funding stream, but Saab will need to balance domestic priorities with export ambitions to maximize the program’s impact. Partnerships with other European firms, potentially through initiatives like the Future Combat Air System [FCAS], could further amplify Saab’s influence.
The success of these flights has already generated buzz within the defense community. Industry analysts have noted the potential for AI to transform air combat, reducing pilot workload and enabling faster responses to threats. Social media platforms like X have seen discussions about Gripen E’s advancements, with some users praising Sweden’s ability to innovate despite its size.
Others have speculated about the implications for NATO, which relies heavily on U.S.-built aircraft but could benefit from diversified suppliers. The absence of immediate market reactions, such as stock price movements, reflects the early stage of the program, but analysts expect increased interest as more data emerges.
The Gripen E’s historical context provides additional perspective. Introduced in 2019 as an evolution of the Gripen C/D, the jet was designed to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces. Its predecessors saw combat in Libya in 2011, where Swedish Gripens conducted reconnaissance missions under NATO command.
The E variant builds on this legacy, offering enhanced range, payload, and sensor capabilities. Its ability to operate in contested environments, combined with AI integration, positions it as a viable alternative to more expensive platforms. For smaller nations, the Gripen E offers a balance of performance and affordability, a critical factor in an era of tightening budgets.
The global race for AI-driven defense systems shows no signs of slowing. The U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance [NGAD] program, aimed at replacing the F-22 Raptor, incorporates AI to enhance pilot decision-making. China’s advancements in autonomous drones and Russia’s development of the Su-57 Felon with AI-assisted systems indicate a broader trend.
Saab’s approach, however, is unique in its focus on a manned platform with autonomous capabilities, offering a hybrid solution that avoids the high costs of fully uncrewed systems. This strategy could resonate with air forces seeking to modernize without overhauling their operational doctrines.
For American audiences, the implications of Saab’s breakthrough are twofold. First, it highlights the growing competition in the defense market, where European firms are challenging U.S. dominance with innovative solutions. Second, it underscores the importance of AI in maintaining air superiority, a priority for the U.S. as it faces near-peer adversaries.
The Pentagon’s investment in AI, through programs like DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution [ACE], mirrors Saab’s efforts but focuses on uncrewed systems. The Gripen E’s success could prompt U.S. policymakers to reassess partnerships with European allies, particularly as NATO seeks to bolster its technological edge.
The collaboration between Saab and Helsing also reflects a broader shift in the defense industry, where software is becoming as critical as hardware. The Gripen E’s ability to integrate AI rapidly demonstrates the value of open-architecture systems, a concept gaining traction across the industry.
As Peter Nilsson noted, “In software, there are no generations, only speed.” This philosophy could give Saab an edge in a market where competitors often face delays in integrating new technologies. The F-35, for example, has encountered challenges with software upgrades, contributing to its high costs and extended development timeline.
As Saab and Helsing continue to refine Centaur, the defense community will be watching closely. The ability to deploy AI in operational aircraft, rather than experimental platforms, sets a new benchmark for the industry. For Sweden, a nation with a long history of punching above its weight in defense, this achievement reinforces its role as a technological innovator. For the global market, it signals a shift toward a future where human and machine collaboration defines the battlefield.
The integration of AI into the Gripen E represents a pivotal moment in military aviation, one that could reshape how air forces operate. Saab’s ability to deliver this capability ahead of larger competitors underscores its agility and foresight.
Yet questions remain about the pace of adoption and the ethical boundaries of autonomous warfare. As nations grapple with these challenges, will Saab’s pioneering work with the Gripen E set the standard for the next generation of fighter jets, or will it spark a broader debate about the role of AI in combat?
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