Industry · Air
Saab flies its own AI agents on Gripen E
Saab says developing the agents and their training tools in-house gives it control over how the software operates, is verified and evolves.
Saab unveiled its own artificial intelligence agents on Nov. 3 after flying them on a Gripen E fighter. The company says an agent autonomously controlled the aircraft in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios during the flight trials.2
Saab has flown its own AI agents on Gripen E
3 November 2026
Saab says agents, training environments and tools were developed within Saab, giving full control over operation and verification
Saab says agents can support the pilot in the cockpit or operate alongside pilots in its own unmanned air platform
Source: Saab press release, 3 November 2026
Sources
The agents, training environments and supporting development tools were developed within Saab. The company says that gives it full control over the agents' operation, verification and continued development.2 Breaking Defense reported that Gripen flight tests in 2025 used Helsing's Centaur AI tool.1
Saab is also a founding partner in Sferical AI, a Swedish sovereign AI initiative providing large-scale computing capacity for AI development.2 Breaking Defense reported that Peter Nilsson, head of Advanced Programs at Saab's aeronautics business area, said that without Sferical AI, Saab would have to use Google or Amazon. He said that could leave Saab without full control of its data.1
Saab says the agents can support a pilot in the cockpit or operate alongside pilots in its own unmanned air platform. The company says it is continuing to expand the agents' capabilities and fly them in a broader range of scenarios.2
Sources (2)
- Breaking Defense: Sweden's Saab launches family of AI agents for future aircraft projects breakingdefense.com
- Saab: Saab unveils its AI agents for future fighter systems, 3 November 2026 www.saab.com