Saab Integrates AI Co-Pilot in Gripen E, Reveals Next-Gen Drone Development

Saab is preparing to equip its Gripen E combat aircraft with an advanced AI agent developed in partnership with European defense AI company Helsing to assist pilots in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat. The AI system has been trained on data equivalent to 1.2 million flight hours—about 140 years of BVR training—using high-performance GPUs. While specific pilot-assist functions remain undisclosed, the AI may suggest optimal missile engagement maneuvers, such as cranking, to improve kill probability. Saab, a 5% stakeholder in Helsing, is also progressing with an uncrewed demonstrator aircraft, codenamed Ruby, developed through additive manufacturing and powered by a GE J85 engine. These efforts are part of Sweden’s Future Combat System (KFS) initiative, which explores options for manned and unmanned sixth-generation platforms beyond the Gripen.

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