Breakthrough in Autonomous Warfare: AI Pilot Cues and Executes Missile Fires
Swedish aerospace manufacturer Saab, in collaboration with defense startup Helsing, has successfully demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to autonomously operate a fighter jet in a combat scenario. During a series of three Project Beyond flight tests conducted between May and June, the Gripen E fighter jet was not only cued by AI to initiate missile firing but was also handed full control over to Helsing’s Centaur AI system for executing maneuvering and combat tasks.
Advanced AI Operations in the Skies
According to Saab, the third and most demanding of the Project Beyond tests involved the AI-controlled Gripen D aircraft engaging in dynamic, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat scenarios against a real Gripen D fighter. The AI system utilized real-time sensor data to track targets and adapt to changing conditions — including starting distances, speeds, and even instances where command and control (C2) data was disabled.
Antoine Bordes, Helsing’s VP of Artificial Intelligence, explained the system’s impressive capabilities: “We estimate that the AI agent that flew last week, flew for around 50 years of the equivalent pilot years — but it took us only a few hours to accomplish that training and testing.” This rapid development highlights the system’s accelerated learning and adaptability.
Progress Toward Future Combat Scenarios
The Project, fully funded by Sweden’s Defence Material Administration, aims to explore trustworthy AI applications for future warfare. It is currently within the concept phase of Sweden’s next-generation fighter program, with a procurement decision targeted for 2031. Saab, which has a five percent stake in Helsing following a strategic €75 million ($85.7 million) investment in 2023, sees this innovation as a key step toward transforming air combat.
Next steps under consideration include conducting simulations where two AI-enabled Gripen fighters face off against two pilot-controlled aircraft. This would serve to evaluate the AI system’s capability to outperform traditional human pilots in dogfights, a crucial test for future combat doctrines.
Expert Insights and Global Industry Momentum
Saab’s achievement follows a notable demonstration by the U.S. Air Force last year, where an AI-controlled F-16, dubbed X-62A Vista, flew with then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall aboard. Kendall expressed strong support for AI in combat, stating, “It’s a security risk not to have it. At this point, we have to have it,” acknowledging the evolving nature of aerial warfare.
Marcus Wandt, Saab’s Chief Innovation Officer, commented that the notion of pilots consistently winning against AI might soon become outdated, emphasizing the rapid pace of AI development in defense. „There are still pilots out there that will have a chance, but that will change fast,” he said.
Implications for Future Warfare
The successful trials mark a significant milestone in the integration of AI into combat aircraft, suggesting a future where autonomous systems may play pivotal roles in air battles. As nations around the world accelerate their investments in AI-enabled defense capabilities, Saab’s progress places Sweden at the forefront of this technological revolution.
