France unveils new NH90 Caïman helicopter to reinforce special operations (X @AirbusHeli)
Airbus has unveiled a prototype of the NH90 Caïman Standard 2, a new version of the helicopter designed for the special operations of the French Armed Forces.
The model was developed to meet the needs of the Special Forces, offering greater troop transport capacity over long distances with discretion.
Equipped with advanced optical sensors and thermal cameras, the helicopter is capable of operating at low altitudes, both during the day and at night, and in adverse weather conditions.
The French Army is expected to receive 18 units between 2026 and 2029. The assembly takes place at Airbus’ facilities in Marignane, where the main NH90 production line is located. The prototype was displayed at the SOFINS exhibition, an event focused on innovations for special operations. The model is part of a European cooperation between France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, developed by the NHIndustries consortium, made up of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker.
The NH90 program in France is coordinated by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), with support from NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency. To date, the DGA has delivered 64 NH90 Standard 1 helicopters to the Army and 27 naval versions to the Navy.
With the gradual retirement of the old Puma helicopters, the NH90 Caïman TTH has become the primary tactical transport aircraft, alongside the modernized H215M Cougar and H225M Caracal models.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @AirbusHeli | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
On display at #SOFINS2025, the #NH90 Standard 2, developed specifically to support special forces operations shows its might.
Enhanced fast roping capabilities
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) April 1, 2025
