Swedish AI in the cockpit: Saab’s own agent flies Gripen E in beyond-visual-range combat tests

Saab announced on 3 November 2026 that its own artificial intelligence agent had controlled a Gripen E fighter in flight during tests involving simulated engagements beyond visual range. Saab’s Advanced Programs unit developed the agent through its AI Fighter Pilot Academy, where software is trained in simulation and evaluated against mission objectives before it flies. The company previously tested Helsing’s Centaur agent on the Gripen E in 2025 under Project Beyond. Saab plans to evaluate its own agents in more demanding scenarios and use the same development infrastructure for future uncrewed aircraft work.