Last December, the Marignane plant of Airbus Helicopters France delivered the 27th and last NH90 in naval configuration to the French Navy.

The Marine Nationale “Caïman” was delivered to the 33F squadron based at Lanvéoc-Poulmic naval air base.

The Caïman first entered operational service with the French Navy in December 2011 to replace the Lynx and Super Frelon helicopters.

These helicopters are operated by 31F and 33F squadrons and embarked on the Forbin and Aquitaine class frigates as well as on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and Mistral class BPCs to perform a wide range of missions such naval combat, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime anti-terrorism missions.