Airbus Delivers First NH90 Standard 2 to France

Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 tactical transport helicopter to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), initiating a phased rollout of 18 specialized aircraft designed for special operations.

The handover took place on July 30, 2026, at the manufacturer’s facility in Marignane, France. According to a press release from Airbus, the aircraft will be operated by the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment based in Pau. The Standard 2 configuration builds upon the existing NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) platform, introducing advanced digitalization and modular communication systems intended to support complex missions in degraded environments.

Technical upgrades and operational capabilities

The NH90 Standard 2 incorporates several hardware and software modifications tailored to the requirements of special forces operators. Key integrations include the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system and a new digital map generator, which together enhance situational awareness for the flight crew. The airframe features enlarged rear sliding windows designed to accommodate self-protection guns, alongside provisions for a third crew member station.

With the addition of external fuel tanks, the variant achieves an operational range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The aircraft architecture also emphasizes rapid integration of future technologies.

Integrating a new communications system is a complex and costly process. The NH90 Standard 2 comes pre-equipped with antennas and cabling to accommodate any type of new radio installation. Voice, data, satellite transmission, everything can be installed quickly and easily in the helicopter, which also has the capacity to control drones. It’s revolutionary.

The quote, provided by an unnamed officer from the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment in the Airbus announcement, highlights the platform’s shift toward network-centric operations.

Program timeline and international adoption

The development of the Standard 2 variant began following a contract issued in October 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA). Flight testing for the initial prototype commenced in June 2024, leading to the start of production in early 2025. Airbus expects to complete deliveries of the 18 helicopters ordered by France by mid-2029.

The configuration has already secured international interest. In December 2025, Spain joined the program with an order for 31 NH90s in a similar standard.

We are honoured to deliver this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces. This new standard builds upon the proven capabilities of the NH90 TTH with new breakthrough features designed specifically for special forces. More than ever, special forces operators will be able to execute their difficult missions in the toughest environments.

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, noted that Spain’s participation in developing features for crew situational awareness indicates the new standard is positioned to become a benchmark for special forces globally.

AirPro News analysis

The delivery of the NH90 Standard 2 highlights a growing requirement among NATO members for rotorcraft that function as integrated command and control nodes rather than simple troop transports. By pre-equipping the airframe with modular cabling and antennas, Airbus and NAHEMA are addressing a historical pain point in military aviation: the prohibitive cost and downtime associated with retrofitting communication suites. The explicit inclusion of drone control capabilities within the helicopter’s systems reflects a broader tactical shift, where manned rotorcraft will increasingly operate in tandem with unmanned aerial systems to extend sensor reach and reduce risk in contested airspace.

Sources: Airbus