4 Regiment d'Helicopters des Forces Speciales

The 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS) is an elite unit of the French Army’s Light Aviation dedicated exclusively to supporting the country’s Special Operations Command (COS). Based in Pau, it is one of the few helicopter regiments in the world focused solely on special operations, equivalent to the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).

The regiment provides tactical mobility, medical evacuation and fire support for French special forces during high-risk missions, often operating deep behind enemy lines. Its fleet includes Gazelle reconnaissance helicopters, Tigre attack helicopters, and Cougar and Caracal transport helicopters adapted for special operations with the NH90FS to be added in the near future.

Crews from the 4e RHFS are also known for their expertise in complex night-vision operations and low-altitude insertions in hostile environments such as the Sahel region. In addition, the regiment includes the Joint Helicopter Group (GIH), a specialized detachment that supports elite French law-enforcement units including the GIGN and RAID during counter-terrorism missions.

The 4e RHFS provides aviation assets to special forces .

Lineage:
1993 - EOS ( Escadrille des Opérations Spéciales )
1997 - DAOS ( Détachement ALAT des Opérations Spéciales )
2009 - 4th RHFS

Structure:
EOS 1 : Cougar and Puma
EOS 2 : Gazelle ( gunship, liaison, command and control )
EOS 3 : Caracal
EOS 4 : Puma Army
EOS 5 : Puma Air Force
EOS 6 : Tigre