Airbus Helicopters has officially delivered the first NH-90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). This new variant of the NH-90 TTH was designed specifically for special operations. France has ordered a total of 18 NH-90 Standard 2 helicopters that will be delivered by mid 2029. They will be operated by the French Army Aviation’s special forces squadron in Pau. In December 2025, Spain joined the programme ordering 31 NH-90s in a similar standard. 

The Standard 2 configuration includes the integration of the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system (EOS), a new digital map generator, installation for a third crew member and new enlarged rear sliding windows able to accommodate self-protection guns. It also includes provisions for a swift integration of the Direct Aperture System (DAS), which is under development, providing better visibility in poor flight conditions (snow, dust, fog), day and night. Additional upgrades will also include the use of a fully digital Thales TopOwl helmet, capable of simultaneously displaying DAS and EOS images on the visor.

The NH-90 Standard 2 programme was ordered in 2020 by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) to NHIndustries (NHI) and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker).
 
NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint-venture and it is responsible for the design, manufacturing and support of the NH-90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The company takes the best from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%) and GKN Fokker (5.5%). Each company has a long aerospace pedigree and brings the top of its skills and expertise to the end product.