France receives first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter for special operations

Published Aug 5, 02:00 PM UTC

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Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 variant to the French Armament General Directorate, a specialized version of the NH90 TTH designed for special operations. France has ordered 18 of these helicopters, with deliveries continuing until mid-2029, to be operated by the French Army Aviation's special forces squadron at Pau. Spain joined the program in December 2025 with an order for 31 similar aircraft. The Standard 2 configuration includes the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system, a new digital map generator, provisions for a third crew member, enlarged rear sliding windows for self-protection guns, and future integration of the Direct Aperture System and Thales TopOwl helmet. The program, ordered in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency, aims to address past availability and support concerns that led to withdrawals by Norway and Australia.

Source

UK Defence JournalWestern

Original headline: France receives first NH90 built for special operations

Original language: EN-GB

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Airbus Delivers First NH90 Standard 2 Helicopter to French Special Forces

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