Saab in-house AI agent flies Gripen in BVR combat scenarios
One agent took control during beyond-visual-range combat tests as Saab builds software and computing tools for future crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
- On November 3, 2026, Saab announced it flight-tested in-house artificial intelligence agents on a Gripen E fighter, with one agent controlling the aircraft during beyond-visual-range combat scenarios.
- Previously, the Swedish manufacturer relied on outside partners; in 2025, Saab used the Centaur AI tool from German firm Helsing for similar BVR flight tests during its Project Beyond program.
- Saab developed these agents through its AI Fighter Jet Pilot Academy and partnered with the Swedish government-backed initiative Sferical AI to secure computing power for training and evaluation.
- "It is of enormous value to have a software-driven fighter like Gripen who can cope with this speed," said Peter Nilsson, head of Advanced Programs at Saab's Aeronautics unit.
- A $303 million contract awarded by the Defense Materiel Administration on September 9, 2026, supports Saab's plans to leverage this technology for future crewed and uncrewed fighter concepts.
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Saab has developed its own AI agents that have now been rigorously tested in flight tests with the Gripen E fighter aircraft.
Saab has developed its own AI agents that fly Gripen. This opens the door to unmanned combat aircraft that make their own decisions. With the Wallenberg Sphere's new supercomputer, the agents will develop much faster.
Sweden's Saab launches family of AI agents for future aircraft projects
Key to the autonomous project is Saab’s AI Fighter Jet Pilot Academy, designed to develop the agents and, in parallel, establish infrastructure necessary to “create, train and evaluate” them, says the firm.
Between autonomous agents, large-scale training and supercomputer, Saab accelerates the development of its AIs to prepare the future air combat.
Saab unveils its AI agents for future fighter systems
Saab is revealing its own in-house, flight proven Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents and has flown them on Gripen E. By doing so, Saab has demonstrated its ability to develop, train, and fly its own AI for air combat, taking it all the way from concept to an operational fighter aircraft. AI is one of a series of key technologies within future fighter development and Saab, within its Advanced Programs business unit, has developed a family of AI …
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