On 30 July 2026, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) delivered the first NH90 Caiman Standard 2 helicopter to the French Army’s special forces, marking the start of an 18-unit order to replace Caracal and Cougar models. The aircraft features electric flight controls, extended endurance, increased payload capacity, and a de-icing protection system for all-weather operations. Standard 2 upgrades include a SAFRAN EUROFLIR 410 infrared camera with laser functions, rear-window machine-gun mounts, a grappling hook for rapid extraction, and a special-forces radio-communication kit. Assembly occurs at Marignane by the NH/Industries consortium (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Fokker), with components from SAFRAN Helicopters Engines, SAFRAN Electronics & Defense, and Atelier Industriel de l’Aéronautique. The delivery enhances intervention capabilities across all operational theatres.
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