Stockholm, Sweden – Swedish defence company Saab has successfully flight-tested its own artificial intelligence (AI) agents on the Gripen E fighter, marking a new step in its development of autonomous combat technologies. The company announced the achievement on November 3, 2026, confirming that its AI agent autonomously controlled the aircraft during beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat scenarios.
The AI agents were developed by Saab’s Advanced Programs unit under its AI Fighter Pilot Academy project. They are trained in digital environments, accumulating millions of simulated flight hours across different combat scenarios. Their decisions are evaluated against mission objectives to improve their performance before actual flight testing.
Saab previously tested AI on the Gripen E through Project Beyond, using Centaur, an AI agent developed by German company Helsing. The latest trials use Saab's own AI technology, giving the company control over its development, testing and future upgrades. The Gripen E's software-defined architecture also allows new AI capabilities to be integrated without major hardware modifications or a separate experimental aircraft.
The AI technology is designed to support pilots in the cockpit and potentially control uncrewed aircraft operating alongside conventional fighters. Computing support comes from Sferical AI, a Swedish sovereign AI initiative in which Saab is a founding partner.
Saab Develops A3-001 Uncrewed Combat Aircraft
Saab's AI programme is closely linked to its plans for future crewed and uncrewed combat aircraft. On August 22, 2026, the company unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its A3-001 uncrewed combat aircraft concept at the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden.
The aircraft is designed to operate alongside Gripen and future crewed fighters. Its proposed missions include electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) and precision strikes in highly contested environments. Saab plans to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030.
$303 Million Contract for Future Fighter Technologies
On September 9, 2026, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarded Saab a contract worth approximately SEK 2.9 billion (around $303 million) for continued development of future combat aircraft technologies.
The contract covers technology demonstrators and concept studies for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Work will run from 2026 to 2028, with options for extensions in 2029 and 2030. Key development areas include systems integration, autonomy, signature management and propulsion.
Saab Plans to Increase Gripen E/F Production
Alongside future aircraft development, Saab is working to increase production of its Gripen E/F fighter jets to meet growing international demand. The company currently manufactures the aircraft in Sweden and Brazil and is targeting an annual production rate of 25–30 fighters, with a longer-term ambition of reaching up to 36 aircraft.
Saab and Brazilian aerospace company Embraer have also agreed on a framework to potentially manufacture 20 additional Gripen aircraft at Embraer's facility in Brazil. The arrangement would supplement Saab's production line in Sweden.
Ukraine is another important part of Saab's future production plans. Sweden has agreed to donate up to 16 Gripen C/D fighters to Ukraine, while a separate agreement covers 16 Gripen E aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for 2029–2030. Saab is also exploring possible industrial cooperation with Canada, including local production opportunities if the country selects the Gripen.
Saab's latest developments reflect its strategy of combining AI-assisted Gripen operations, autonomous combat aircraft and expanded fighter production. By developing its own AI technology and uncrewed aircraft concepts, the company is preparing for future air combat in which crewed fighters and autonomous platforms operate together.
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