France Receives First NH90 Standard 2 for Special Forces

Airbus Helicopters handed over the first NH90 in the “Standard 2” configuration to the French procurement authority (DGA) in Marignane on 30 July 2026. The Standard 2 is also known as the NH90 SOF (Special Operation Forces) Caiman. This marks the start of the delivery of a series of 18 helicopters configured for special forces operations. On the same day, the DGA handed the helicopter over to the French Army’s helicopter branch (ALAT).

All 18 aircraft are destined for the 4th Helicopter Regiment of the Special Operations Forces (4e RHFS) in Pau in the southwest of France. The delivery of the final aircraft is planned for spring 2029. There are some differences from the NH90 standard, which has been in use for years. The configuration includes an electro-optical system of the Safran Euroflir 410 D type with four laser functions – including a target marker/designator for guided weapons.