Helis, March 16, 2026 - France’s next-generation NH90 helicopter configured for Special Operations Forces has successfully completed its first operational trials and evaluation campaign, marking an important step ahead of the planned delivery of the first production aircraft in 2026.
The initial test campaign was conducted on the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2, a variant specifically developed to meet the operational requirements of special operations missions. Also referred to as the NH90 FS (Forces Spéciales), the helicopter is being developed primarily for the French Army’s 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4 RHFS).
According to the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the prototype successfully validated its performance and the enhanced capabilities integrated into the Standard 2 configuration. The evaluation campaign also allowed engineers and operational units to refine procedures that will support the aircraft’s entry into service.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces confirmed that the first production NH90 Standard 2 helicopters are expected to be delivered during the summer of 2026. A second test campaign is scheduled for July 2026 and will focus on the certification of additional equipment, including an upgraded cargo hook and a laser designator.
The NH90 Standard 2 incorporates a range of advanced systems designed to support high-intensity special operations missions. These include the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensor, which provides infrared imaging, laser tracking, designation and measurement functions across multiple spectral bands. The helicopter will also integrate the Eurofl’eye Distributed Aperture System (DAS), providing the crew with 360-degree situational awareness, even in degraded visibility conditions such as darkness, dust or smoke.
French special forces NH90FS
Crew situational awareness is further enhanced by the Thales TopOwl digital helmet-mounted display, which offers augmented-reality overlays and improved visibility for pilots operating in complex environments. The aircraft also features advanced fly-by-wire flight controls, single-pilot operation capability and an automated diagnostic and maintenance monitoring system.
Several structural modifications have been introduced to better support special forces operations. The helicopter is equipped with a rear access ramp optimized for rapid insertion and extraction of personnel and equipment, as well as enlarged sliding windows designed to allow the operation of side-mounted machine guns such as the M3M .50 caliber or the MAG58.
France currently plans to acquire 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters for its special operations forces. The program also represents a significant modernization step for the NH90 platform, which has faced operational and availability challenges in some earlier variants used by other countries.
With the completion of the first operational evaluation campaign, the NH90 Standard 2 program moves closer to entering service with French special forces units, supporting missions that include infiltration, extraction and tactical support in demanding operational environments.
The initial test campaign was conducted on the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2, a variant specifically developed to meet the operational requirements of special operations missions. Also referred to as the NH90 FS (Forces Spéciales), the helicopter is being developed primarily for the French Army’s 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4 RHFS).
According to the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), the prototype successfully validated its performance and the enhanced capabilities integrated into the Standard 2 configuration. The evaluation campaign also allowed engineers and operational units to refine procedures that will support the aircraft’s entry into service.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces confirmed that the first production NH90 Standard 2 helicopters are expected to be delivered during the summer of 2026. A second test campaign is scheduled for July 2026 and will focus on the certification of additional equipment, including an upgraded cargo hook and a laser designator.
The NH90 Standard 2 incorporates a range of advanced systems designed to support high-intensity special operations missions. These include the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensor, which provides infrared imaging, laser tracking, designation and measurement functions across multiple spectral bands. The helicopter will also integrate the Eurofl’eye Distributed Aperture System (DAS), providing the crew with 360-degree situational awareness, even in degraded visibility conditions such as darkness, dust or smoke.
French special forces NH90FS
Crew situational awareness is further enhanced by the Thales TopOwl digital helmet-mounted display, which offers augmented-reality overlays and improved visibility for pilots operating in complex environments. The aircraft also features advanced fly-by-wire flight controls, single-pilot operation capability and an automated diagnostic and maintenance monitoring system.
Several structural modifications have been introduced to better support special forces operations. The helicopter is equipped with a rear access ramp optimized for rapid insertion and extraction of personnel and equipment, as well as enlarged sliding windows designed to allow the operation of side-mounted machine guns such as the M3M .50 caliber or the MAG58.
France currently plans to acquire 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters for its special operations forces. The program also represents a significant modernization step for the NH90 platform, which has faced operational and availability challenges in some earlier variants used by other countries.
With the completion of the first operational evaluation campaign, the NH90 Standard 2 program moves closer to entering service with French special forces units, supporting missions that include infiltration, extraction and tactical support in demanding operational environments.
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NH90 TTH in
Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre 4 RHFS
4 Regiment d'Helicopters des Forces Speciales Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre French Army Light Aviation French Special Forces NH90 Begin Flight Testing
