Helsing Says Its Centaur AI Pilot Beat Two Human Pilots in Simulated Dogfights
Helsing is pitching software-flown combat jets to a Europe without a joint fighter program, but its evidence so far is a simulator result, two prototypes under construction and no announced order.
Helsing is pitching software-flown combat jets to a Europe without a joint fighter program, but its evidence so far is a simulator result, two prototypes under construction and no announced order.
Helsing's AI pilot, Centaur, repeatedly beat two experienced human pilots in simulated dogfights in Munich on Sept. 29, the company said. The demonstration ran during a visit by German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger. "What you have achieved in five or six years is phenomenal," Wildberger said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Helsing demonstrate?
A simulator session in Munich on Sept. 29 in which its AI pilot Centaur repeatedly beat two experienced human pilots in dogfights, according to the company. German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger attended.
Who were the human pilots?
A former Bundeswehr aviator and longtime test pilot, and a former Mexican Air Force pilot.
What is CA-1 Europa?
Helsing's uncrewed combat jet, 11 meters long with a four-ton takeoff weight. Grob Aircraft, which Helsing bought in June 2025, is building two prototypes at its Mattsies site.
Has CA-1 Europa flown?
No. Helsing targets a first test flight in 2027. It says Centaur is also being tested in real fighter aircraft.
Has anyone ordered the aircraft?
No procurement order has been announced, per Dr. Web.
How is Centaur trained?
Partly in synthetically generated environments where users set terrain, time of day and visibility, which CTO Robert Fink said compresses decades of training into minutes or hours.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.