Airbus Helicopters delivers first NH90 Standard 2 to France

Airbus Helicopters, a unit of Airbus Group (OTC: EADSY), has delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), according to a company statement.

The NH90 Standard 2 is a variant of the NH90 TTH configured for special operations. France has ordered a total of 18 of these helicopters, with deliveries scheduled through mid-2029. The aircraft will be operated by the French Army Aviation's special forces squadron based in Pau.

The Standard 2 configuration includes a Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system, a digital map generator, provisions for a third crew member, and enlarged rear sliding windows designed to accommodate self-protection guns. The configuration also includes provisions for a Direct Aperture System currently under development, intended to improve visibility in low-visibility conditions such as snow, dust, and fog. Additional planned upgrades include a Thales TopOwl digital helmet capable of simultaneously displaying sensor imagery.

In December 2025, Spain ordered 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar standard, joining the program's development effort.

The NH90 Standard 2 program was ordered in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) through NHIndustries, a joint venture owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Fokker (5.5%).

"We are honoured to deliver this NH90 Standard 2 to the French armed forces," said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

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