Saab and Helsing integrated the “Centaur” combat AI into the Gripen E
Helsing's AI successfully engaged another Gripen in complex BVR scenarios.
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Saab and Helsing announced the successful completion of three flight tests integrating the artificial intelligence (AI) agent "Centaur" into a Gripen E fighter aircraft. The tests mark a significant milestone in the development of AI-driven air combat systems in Europe and highlight the rapid adaptability of the Gripen's open software architecture.
The first test flight took place on May 28, while the most recent was conducted on June 3 over the Baltic Sea. During the missions, a Gripen E handed over control to the Centaur agent, which autonomously executed complex air-to-air maneuvers in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) scenarios. The AI system processed real-time sensor data to track, evade, and engage a second Gripen D aircraft acting as an adversary.
“This marks a pioneering step in autonomous air combat and a turning point for European defense,” said Stephanie Lingemann, senior director at Air Domain in Helsing.
The project is fully funded by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) as part of Sweden’s Future Fighter Concept program, and is also part of Saab’s Project Beyond—an initiative aimed at accelerating capability development through software-based innovation. The integration was completed in less than six months, made possible by the Gripen E’s open software architecture, which enables the rapid incorporation of new capabilities without compromising operational safety or relying on experimental aircraft. Saab noted that this achievement gives the fighter a qualitative edge by supporting faster capability growth through continuous software updates.
During the third flight, Centaur was evaluated in variable scenarios—at different speeds, distances, and without a C2 link—challenging its adaptability. Helsing’s AI was trained in its “RL Factory,” gaining a virtual combat experience equivalent to decades within just 24 hours.
Test pilot and Saab’s Chief Innovation Officer Marcus Wandt, who flew the aircraft during the tests, stated: “This is the future of air combat—and it’s happening now in Europe. It took us less than half a year to go from defining the operational scenario to flight testing the integrated AI agent. This is a clear demonstration of Gripen’s software architecture, the maturity of Centaur, and the tight collaboration between Saab and Helsing engineers.”
With this milestone, Helsing and Saab strengthen their strategic partnership. The Bavarian company, which recently acquired aircraft manufacturer Grob Aircraft, seeks to embed its algorithms into real-world platforms like the Gripen—paving the way for a new paradigm in human-machine collaboration.
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