Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 tactical transport helicopter to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), marking a major milestone in the modernisation of France’s special operations aviation capabilities.
The new variant of the NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) has been specifically developed for special forces missions. France has ordered 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters, with deliveries scheduled to continue until mid-2029. The fleet will be operated by the French Army Aviation’s special forces squadron based in Pau.
The programme has also gained international momentum, with Spain joining in December 2025 by ordering 31 helicopters in the same configuration.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot described the delivery as an important step for European special operations aviation.
“This new standard builds upon the proven capabilities of the NH90 TTH with breakthrough features designed specifically for special forces,” he said. “Special forces operators will be able to execute their most demanding missions in the toughest environments.”
Enhanced capabilities for demanding missions
The NH90 Standard 2 introduces several significant upgrades aimed at improving mission effectiveness and crew situational awareness, including:
- Safran Euroflir 410D electro-optical surveillance system;
- A new digital map generator;
- Installation for a third crew member;
- Enlarged rear sliding windows allowing the use of self-protection machine guns;
- Preparations for the future Direct Aperture System (DAS), currently under development, which will improve visibility in degraded conditions such as dust, snow and fog during both day and night operations;
- Compatibility with the fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet, capable of simultaneously displaying imagery from both the electro-optical system and the future DAS directly on the pilot’s visor.
European cooperation
The NH90 Standard 2 programme was launched in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and awarded to NHIndustries (NHI), the consortium responsible for the NH90 programme.
NHIndustries is jointly owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%), bringing together leading European aerospace expertise in the design, production and support of one of the world’s most advanced military helicopter families.
The delivery of the first NH90 Standard 2 represents an important milestone in strengthening Europe’s special operations capabilities while reinforcing multinational cooperation on next-generation military rotorcraft.