France has ordered 18 of the type, with deliveries running to mid-2029. They will be operated by the French Army Aviation’s special forces squadron at Pau. Spain joined the programme in December 2025 with an order for 31 aircraft in a similar standard.

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “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.”

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 integrates the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system and a new digital map generator, along with installation for a third crew member and enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns.

It also carries provisions for rapid integration of the Direct Aperture System, currently under development, which Airbus says will provide better visibility in poor flight conditions including snow, dust and fog, by day and night. Further upgrades will include a fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet capable of simultaneously displaying imagery from both that system and the electro-optical system on the visor.

The Standard 2 programme was ordered in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency from NHIndustries and its partner companies, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker. NHIndustries is owned by Airbus Helicopters with 62.5%, Leonardo with 32% and GKN Fokker with 5.5%, and is responsible for the design, manufacture and support of the NH90.

The NH90 was developed as a multi-role medium helicopter for NATO nations, produced in the TTH tactical transport variant used by armies and the NFH naval variant configured for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare from frigates. More than a dozen countries have operated the type, and it has seen service in Afghanistan, Mali and elsewhere.

The programme has had a difficult history, with several operators raising concerns over availability and support costs. Norway withdrew from the programme entirely in 2022 and sought to return its aircraft, while Australia retired its MRH90 Taipan fleet early in 2023 following a fatal accident. Airbus has since pursued a series of upgrades and revised support arrangements intended to improve the fleet’s availability, of which the Standard 2 configuration forms part.