Airbus Helicopters handed over on 30 July 2026 the first NH90 in the “Standard 2” configuration to the French procurement authority (DGA) in Marignane. Standard 2 is also known as the NH90 SOF (Special Operations Forces) Caiman. With this, the delivery of a series of 18 helicopters configured for special forces missions begins. On the same day, the DGA handed over the helicopter to the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT).
All 18 aircraft are destined for the 4e RHFS, the 4th Helicopter Regiment of the Special Operations Forces, in Pau in southwestern France. The delivery of the last 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.
NH90 SOF to replace H225M and AS532
Additional features include a new digital map generator, the provision for a third crew member, enlarged rear sliding windows (behind the sliding side doors) to accommodate machine gun mounts, and a radio system developed by the French Military Aviation Authority SIAé for special forces, designed for joint operations and coalition missions. In addition, the variant again enables fast-rope insertion of commandos (Fast-Rope method).
According to the manufacturer Airbus, the helicopter is pre-equipped for the still-developing Direct Aperture System (DAS); this is intended to improve visibility in snow, dust, and fog (Whiteout and Brownout) – day and night. In the future, crews will fly with Thales’ fully digital TopOwl helmet, which can display both the DAS and sensor images on the visor. According to the French Army, the 18 aircraft are to gradually replace the helicopters currently in service of the types Airbus H225M Caracal and Airbus AS532 Cougar.
The Caracals will then be handed over to Squadron 1/67 “Pyrénées” of the French Air and Space Forces in Cazaux and continue to serve there. France awarded the development of NH90 SOF in 2020 to NAHEMA, the NATO Helicopter Management Agency, which signs contracts with NHIndustries on behalf of the nations participating in the program. Flight testing of the new pattern began in June 2024 and was completed earlier this year. In July 2026, further qualification flights for improved hoist hooks and the laser designator took place.
Spain joins
“It is an honor for us to hand over this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “This new standard builds on the proven capabilities of the NH90 TTH and offers groundbreaking new features designed specifically for special forces. The special forces will be more than ever able to carry out their demanding missions under the harshest conditions,” he added. “We are very pleased that Spain is also participating in the development of those functions that will improve the crew’s situational awareness.”
In December 2025, Spain decided to follow the path of the first customer France. As part of a national procurement package of over 100 helicopters in total, Spain ordered 31 NH90s in a very similar configuration. In the German Armed Forces, the special forces also use the NH90, albeit the Army’s standard variant. Industry sources have it that looking ahead, already in April NAHEMA and NHIndustries began a two-year architecture study for a possible mid-life upgrade (NH90 Block 2). This is intended to address usage and potential mission requirements from 2040 onward.
