Human fighter pilots are well-trained, but a new robotic fighter pilot trained by artificial intelligence beat the human equivalent during an airborne battle is a huge step
Rory Gannon
Showbiz Journalist
14 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
An AI-trained robot was able to beat a human pilot during an in-air fight
(Image: Jam Press/Linus Haegermark @Saab)
A fighter pilot robot has beaten its human counterpart in a major leap for AI.
Artificial intelligence is slowly creeping into our daily lives - with self-driving Ubers set to hit the streets of London in just a matter of months. However, the training of robots using AI has seen mixed results, with some having a "complete accuracy collapse" during tests.
A fighter pilot robot has beaten its human counterpart in a major leap for AI.
Artificial intelligence is slowly creeping into our daily lives - with self-driving Ubers set to hit the streets of London in just a matter of months. However, the training of robots using AI has seen mixed results, with some having a "complete accuracy collapse" during tests.
One area that requires total precision and speed is warfare, particularly amid the growing global tensions between governments and armies. As a result, scientists are putting AI to use in helping to defend the nation and the world through cutting edge technology.
Now, it has been revealed that a robot pilot using AI has been able to beat a human during a "battle" in the air. This now marks a historic breakthrough in technology for defence, after the aircraft was proven to outmanoeuvre the fighter jet during a simulation.
Now, it has been revealed that a robot pilot using AI has been able to beat a human during a "battle" in the air. This now marks a historic breakthrough in technology for defence, after the aircraft was proven to outmanoeuvre the fighter jet during a simulation.
The Centaur bot was placed in a Gripen E fighter jet to test its ability to deal with combat(Image: Jam Press/Linus Haegermark @Saab)
The bot - developed by Swedish car company Saab and trained using German company Helsing - was made to undertake a simulated air combat mission. Named Centaur, the bot was placed in a Gripen E fighter jet, going up against its human counterpart in a Gripen D.
The bot - developed by Swedish car company Saab and trained using German company Helsing - was made to undertake a simulated air combat mission. Named Centaur, the bot was placed in a Gripen E fighter jet, going up against its human counterpart in a Gripen D.
While the official results were inconclusive about the success of the mission by the bot, the robot was able to show quick decision-making skills in real time. It also was able to determine the threat of the enemy by itself and was able to control the aircraft well and threat engagement autonomously. Saab say it is a huge step forward for defence technology.
As well as this, Helsing added that the AI had been able to carry out three successful test flights using its advanced knowledge. The tests formed part of a major initiative to integrate AI into the real world called Project Beyond, with the backing of the Swedish government.
As well as this, Helsing added that the AI had been able to carry out three successful test flights using its advanced knowledge. The tests formed part of a major initiative to integrate AI into the real world called Project Beyond, with the backing of the Swedish government.
The full results were inconclusive but showed the ability for AI to beat a human in combat(Image: Jam Press/Linus Haegermark @Saab)
Speaking following the tests, Peter Nilsson from Saab said the move marked a major milestone for the company, but also for the world. "This is an important achievement for Saab, demonstrating our qualitative edge in sophisticated technologies by making AI deliver in the air," Nilsson said.
"We are excited to continue developing and refining how this and other AI agents can be used, while once again showing how our fighters will outperform faster than the opponent can evolve," he added. The project was funded by Sweden as part of the country's plan to help pioneer new forms of defence.
German company Helsing said the AI was given up to 30 years' worth of experience during training each week to give it confidence it could undertake the task at hand. Other programs to train fighters in the air - using human volunteers - take 10 to 15 years to complete.
Speaking following the tests, Peter Nilsson from Saab said the move marked a major milestone for the company, but also for the world. "This is an important achievement for Saab, demonstrating our qualitative edge in sophisticated technologies by making AI deliver in the air," Nilsson said.
"We are excited to continue developing and refining how this and other AI agents can be used, while once again showing how our fighters will outperform faster than the opponent can evolve," he added. The project was funded by Sweden as part of the country's plan to help pioneer new forms of defence.
German company Helsing said the AI was given up to 30 years' worth of experience during training each week to give it confidence it could undertake the task at hand. Other programs to train fighters in the air - using human volunteers - take 10 to 15 years to complete.
The scheme is being funded by the Swedish government to pioneer new tech for war(Image: Jam Press/Linus Haegermark @Saab)
This is also believed to be the first time that AI has been tested using real-life situations and real-life aircraft using this form of technology. Typically, tests using artificial intelligence do not rely on operational aircraft - instead relying on test planes, or a simulator.
This is also believed to be the first time that AI has been tested using real-life situations and real-life aircraft using this form of technology. Typically, tests using artificial intelligence do not rely on operational aircraft - instead relying on test planes, or a simulator.
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