Airbus Helicopters has officially delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). This new variant of the NH90 TTH was designed specifically for special operations. France has ordered a total of 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters that will be delivered by mid 2029. They will be operated by the French Army Aviation’s special forces squadron in Pau. In December 2025, Spain joined the programme ordering 31 NH90s in a similar standard. It makes extensive use of composite materials and electronic sensors. The helicopter has two primary models: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), oriented towards land applications (able to carry up to 20 troops); and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), oriented towards naval use in contexts such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Over 600 units have been produced for over a dozen NATO countries as of early 2026, and the model remains in production.
“We are honoured to deliver this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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,” he added. “We are very pleased that Spain has also joined the development of the features that will enhance the crew’s situational awareness. It shows that this new standard of the NH90 is on its way to becoming the benchmark for special forces across the world.”
The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system (EOS), a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns. It also includes provisions for a swift integration of the Direct Aperture System (DAS), which is under development, providing better visibility in poor flight conditions (snow, dust, fog), day and night. Additional upgrades will also include the use of a fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet, capable of simultaneously displaying DAS and EOS images on the visor.
The NH90 Standard 2 programme was ordered in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) to NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker). NHIndustries (NHI) is a helicopter manufacturing company specifically established to be NATO Helicopter Management Agency’s prime contractor for the design and development, industrialisation, production and logistic support of the NHIndustries NH90 series of helicopters. NHIndustries was established in 1992 as a partnership between Eurocopter of France and Germany (now Airbus Helicopters), Agusta of Italy (now Leonardo) and Stork Fokker Aerospace of the Netherlands (now GKN Fokker). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.
