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PARIS: On Wednesday, Sweden’s Saab and the German defense startup Helsing revealed that they had conducted a groundbreaking combat test involving an AI pilot in a Gripen E fighter jet, facing off against a human pilot. This trial represents a significant milestone in Europe’s pursuit of autonomous defense technology.
The test, which took place last week, marks the first public instance of artificial intelligence being utilized in a warplane for beyond visual range (BVR) scenarios, as opposed to traditional close-range dogfights. Moreover, it is the first time AI managed a fully operational jet rather than a mere experimental aircraft.
In May of the previous year, former U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall piloted a modified F-16 named X-62A VISTA, equipped with machine learning capabilities provided by Shield AI, demonstrating AI’s potential to engage in aerial combat alongside a crewed F-16.
These European trials, dubbed "Project Beyond," comprised three test flights conducted between May 28 and June 3. The final flight featured Helsing’s AI agent, "Centaur," piloting a Gripen E against a human-operated Gripen D, according to the collaborating companies.
Backed by Swedish government funding, the trial did not conclusively determine whether the AI or the human pilot outperformed the other. Nonetheless, it underscores an escalating emphasis on merging AI with military systems. "I wouldn’t say there’s a guaranteed winner… pilots need to remain sharp," remarked Marcus Wandt, Saab’s Chief Innovation Officer, who also has prior experience as a fighter pilot and astronaut.
He added, "Retraining for new weapon systems or tactics poses challenges in maintaining parity. Currently, there are still human pilots capable of competing, but that could change rapidly."
Next-Generation Combat Aircraft
This trial coincides with Saab’s investigation into concepts for the next generation of combat aircraft, which are anticipated to blend crewed and uncrewed systems as part of Sweden’s KFS future air combat initiative.
As of now, Sweden has not committed to developing an independent successor to its Gripen fighter and had previously collaborated on the UK’s Tempest fighter project. However, it shifted focus back to its own research due to the program’s expansion to include Japan and Italy. Another prominent fighter project in Europe is the Franco-German-Spanish SCAF initiative.
Former U.S. Air Force Secretary Kendall, who recently finished his tenure amid the Biden administration and was instrumental in launching the next-generation fighter project that paved the way for the newly unveiled F-47, has stated that AI decision-making may soon surpass that of humans.
Despite this, Western defense projects generally emphasize the necessity for human oversight in AI weapons systems.
Saab and Helsing executives highlighted the importance of swift development timelines, dismissing the lengthy 10- to 15-year frameworks typical of rival initiatives.
Details of their trial were released just ahead of next week’s Paris Airshow, following several months of simulator preparations during which the Centaur AI agent simulated the equivalent of thirty years of flight experience every week.
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