France has accepted the first NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter, a special operations variant developed specifically for the special forces.
France has accepted the first NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter, a special operations variant developed specifically for the French Army's special forces.
Paris has ordered 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters, with deliveries scheduled for completion by mid-2029. The fleet will be operated by the French Army Aviation's Special Forces Squadron based in Pau.
Compared with the Standard 1, the Standard 2 adds special operations equipment, including an infrared camera with a laser pointer and designator, an advanced communications suite, and new weapon systems.
In December 2025, Spain joined the program by ordering 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar configuration.
“We are honoured to deliver this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot said.
“This new standard builds upon the proven capabilities of the NH90 TTH with new breakthrough features designed specifically for special forces. More than ever, special forces operators will be able to execute their difficult missions in the toughest environments,” he added.
“We are very pleased that Spain has also joined the development of the features that will enhance the crew’s situational awareness. It shows that this new standard of the NH90 is on its way to becoming the benchmark for Special Forces across the world.”
NH90 Standard 2
The Standard 2 features the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, space for a third crew member, enlarged rear sliding windows for self-protection guns, and provisions for the future integration of the Direct Aperture System (DAS) to improve visibility in adverse conditions.
It will also receive the fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet, capable of displaying DAS and electro-optical imagery on the visor.
The NH90 Standard 2 program was awarded by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency to NHIndustries (NHI) in 2020. NHI — a joint venture of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker — is responsible for the design, production, and support of the NH90 military helicopter.
