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NH90 Caiman Standard 2 Helicopter Prototype Enhances French Special Forces Capabilities at SOFINS 2025.
From April 1 to 3, 2025, the SOFINS exhibition (Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar), held in Martignas-sur-Jalle, Gironde, and organized by the Cercle de l’Arbalète, offers the public an unprecedented look at the prototype of the NH90 Caiman Standard 2 helicopter. This official unveiling, led by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in partnership with Airbus Helicopters France, marks a key milestone in the modernization of the French special forces' air mobility assets at a time when adapting to evolving threats requires targeted upgrades of deployment platforms.
The main enhancements introduced in the Standard 2 configuration is the integration of the Safran EOS410 optronic system, featuring an infrared camera combined with a laser designator and pointer (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The NH90 Caiman Standard 2 is a variant specifically developed to meet the operational needs of special forces units, with a focus on stealth, mobility, and connectivity in demanding environments. Building on the baseline NH90 Standard 1 already in service with conventional units, this new version has been tailored to facilitate the insertion and extraction of commandos in complex scenarios, including low-visibility or high-risk operational conditions. The goal is to broaden the range of mission profiles while improving both the effectiveness and survivability of the crew and embarked forces.
Among the main enhancements introduced in the Standard 2 configuration is the integration of the Safran EOS410 optronic system, featuring an infrared camera combined with a laser designator and pointer. This significantly improves reconnaissance, target acquisition, and engagement capabilities in low-light or degraded weather conditions. The system also enables guidance of precision munitions, enhancing the helicopter's performance in close air support missions. The NH90 Standard 2 will also be equipped with new mission-adapted weapons and a tactical radio communication suite designed for interoperability, improving coordination with other joint components and coalition partners.
The DGA has ordered 18 units of this new standard from the NHIndustries consortium to equip the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS) based in Pau. These helicopters are intended to progressively replace the currently deployed Caracal and Cougar models as part of a targeted capability renewal program. Assembly of the first helicopters has begun at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Marignane, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, with deliveries scheduled between summer 2026 and spring 2029.
The NH90 is an 11-ton twin-engine transport helicopter developed through a European cooperation program involving France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. The program is managed by NHIndustries, a consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. In France, it is overseen by the DGA with support from the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), which ensures joint management of this multinational project. France has received 64 NH90 Standard 1 helicopters for the Army and 27 naval combat variants for the French Navy.
The presentation of the NH90 Caiman Standard 2 prototype at SOFINS 2025 highlights France’s effort to adapt its aerial capabilities to the specific requirements of special operations. By leveraging a proven platform and integrating targeted technological upgrades, this new version is expected to enhance rapid deployment, precision engagement, and joint-force coordination in complex operational scenarios.