Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter to France's Armament General Directorate (DGA), marking the delivery of a new variant of the NH90 TTH designed specifically for special forces operations, the company announced in a press release.

France has ordered 18 of the NH90 Standard 2 helicopters in total, with deliveries scheduled to run through mid-2029. The French Army Aviation's special forces squadron based in Pau will operate the aircraft. In December 2025, Spain joined the programme with an order for 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar configuration.

"We are honoured to deliver this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces," said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, according to the press release. He said the new standard builds on the established capabilities of the NH90 TTH with additional features aimed at special forces, adding that operators would be better equipped "to execute their difficult missions in the toughest environments."

Louvot also welcomed Spain's participation in developing features meant to improve crew situational awareness, saying it signals the new standard is becoming "the benchmark for special forces across the world."

According to Airbus, the Standard 2 configuration includes the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, space for a third crew member, and larger rear sliding windows that can hold self-protection guns.

The aircraft also includes provisions for future integration of a Direct Aperture System, currently under development, intended to improve visibility in poor weather conditions such as snow, dust, and fog in both day and night operations. Further planned upgrades include a fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet capable of simultaneously displaying imagery from both systems on the pilot's visor.

The NH90 Standard 2 programme was commissioned in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency and assigned to NHIndustries, the joint venture responsible for the design, manufacture, and support of the NH90 helicopter. NHIndustries is owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Fokker (5.5%).

Source: PR