Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate in Marignane, France, on 30 July 2026. The aircraft is a new variant of the NH90 TTH designed for special operations. France has ordered 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters, with deliveries scheduled to continue until mid-2029, for use by the French Army Aviation special forces squadron in Pau.
The French Armament General Directorate said the Standard 2 adds new mission capabilities adapted to special forces operations in all types of theatres. The upgrade package includes an Euroflir 410 infrared mission camera with laser functions, rear window gun mounts, a fast rope capability for commando extraction and a special forces radio communications kit for joint and coalition operations.
The programme was ordered in 2020 by NAHEMA from NHIndustries, the Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker consortium. Spain later joined with a similar order in December 2025. Airbus said the programme supports a European rotorcraft supply chain, with assembly in Marignane and additional production work involving Safran Helicopter Engines, Safran Electronics & Defense and the AIA of Cuers-Pierrefeu.
The helicopters will be operated by the 4th special forces helicopter regiment based in Pau (64).