Image source: topwar.ru
In October 2020, NATO, acting on behalf of the French Ministry of Defense, began developing the NH90 Forces Spéciales ("Special Forces", or NH90 FS, also Standard 2) helicopter, designed for special operations. Then Paris ordered 18 vehicles for the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment (4e RHFS), and the second major customer was Spain, which purchased 31 vehicles (for the army, Air Force and Navy).
Flight tests of the prototype began in June 2024. On July 30, 2026, Airbus Helicopters announced that the first production NH90 FS aircraft had been officially transferred to the military:
The helicopter is designed for deep penetration into enemy territory, landing commandos and providing fire support in conditions of severe electronic and fire resistance. The main differences from the basic version (Standard 1) are the deep modernization of the avionics and fuselage.
Image source: topwar.ru
The vehicle received the Euroflir 410 optoelectronic system from Safran, which provides thermal imaging, ultraviolet and IR surveillance, and also has a laser designator for guided weapons guidance.
The helicopter is equipped with Safran's Enhanced Visibility System (DAS) Eurofl'eye, consisting of a distributed sensor complex that projects a panoramic image onto Thales' TopOwl pilot's digital helmet, allowing safe piloting and landing in "blind" flight conditions (for example, in a sandstorm, thick fog, snowfall, or total darkness).
The NH90 FS has enhanced combat capabilities. The enlarged rear sliding windows are equipped with turrets for large-caliber or rapid-fire machine guns for self-defense and landing cover.
Image source: topwar.ru
The Fast Rope system has been optimized for parachute-free landing of MTR groups. A workplace for a third crew member (gunner or flight engineer) has been added to the updated cabin and a tactical digital radio system for coalition communications from SIAé has been installed.
The maximum take-off weight of the NH90 FS is 10.6 tons, the speed is up to 320 km/ h, the amphibious assault capacity is from 14 to 20 equipped fighters, the payload capacity is 2.5 tons inside the cabin or 4 tons on an external suspension. It is possible to install external fuel tanks of 500 kg each.
As explained in the French Ministry of Defense, the delivery of all 18 ordered vehicles is expected before the summer of 2029.:
