Airbus Helicopters officially delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 military helicopter to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) at Marignane on July 30, 2026. The DGA transferred the specialized rotorcraft to French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) on the same day, launching the operational deployment of this new special forces variant for the French armed forces.
The delivered aircraft represents the first of 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters ordered by France, with complete delivery expected by mid-2029. The entire fleet will be stationed at Pau in southwestern France, assigned to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS) to execute demanding operations in difficult conditions.
The Standard 2 configuration incorporates tailored upgrades designed specifically for special operations missions. Features include the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system with laser designation capabilities, a new digital map generator, provision for a third crew member, enlarged rear sliding windows accommodating gun mounts, and special forces radio kits developed by SIAé for joint and coalition operations.
The progressive delivery of these 18 NH90 Standard 2 aircraft will enable the French Army to replace its active fleet of Caracal and Cougar helicopters. This operational reorganization will subsequently free up H225M Caracals for transfer to the French Air and Space Force’s 1/67 Pyrénées squadron stationed at Cazaux.
Development of the Standard 2 variant was contracted in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) on behalf of France under military programming laws. In December 2025, Spain joined the program by ordering 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar special operations standard configuration.
