AI Controls Fighter Jet Autonomously: 'Superhuman Performance in 24 Hours'
amsterdam, zaterdag, 12 juli 2025.
The European company Helsing has successfully flown a Saab Gripen E fighter jet autonomously twice using AI, named Centaur. During the test flights over the Baltic Sea, the AI performed complex manoeuvres after just 24 hours of training in a data centre. Stephanie Lingemann of Helsing emphasises that the AI can achieve superhuman performance within a short time, significantly improving the safety of pilots in dangerous situations. However, this development also raises ethical questions about unintended escalation and the assignment of responsibility for autonomous combat aircraft.
Revolutionary Test Flights
The European company Helsing has conducted two autonomous flights of a Saab Gripen E fighter jet using AI, named Centaur. During the test flights over the Baltic Sea, the AI performed complex manoeuvres after just 24 hours of training in a data centre. Stephanie Lingemann of Helsing stresses that the AI can achieve superhuman performance within a short time, significantly enhancing the safety of pilots in dangerous situations [1][2].
Technical Details
The AI, Centaur, was trained for 24 hours in a large data centre and gained ‘decades of virtual combat experience’. During the test flights, which took place on 28 May and 3 June, a pilot was present for safety reasons but the AI took control and executed complex manoeuvres [2]. The Saab Gripen E is over 15 metres long, 8.6 metres wide, weighs up to 16.5 tonnes, and can reach a maximum speed of 2,100 km/h [2].
Ethical Questions
While Helsing’s technology is promising, it also raises ethical questions. Experts warn of potential risks such as unintended escalation, challenges in assigning responsibility for AI decisions, and the ethical implications of automating lethal violence [2][3]. The development of autonomous combat aircraft also increases the risk of a new arms race [3].
Future Perspectives
According to Stephanie Lingemann of Helsing, pilotless combat aircraft may not be far off. The company, founded by three Germans, has offices in London, Paris, Munich, and Berlin and is valued at 12 billion euros. Last month, Spotify founder Daniel Ek organised an investment round of 600 million euros for Helsing [2]. These investments underscore the significant promise and potential of this technology, but also highlight the need to seriously address the associated ethical and safety issues [2][3].