Airbus unveils prototype NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multipurpose helicopter for the French Army

NH90 Caïman Standard 2

Airbus has unveiled a prototype of the NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multirole helicopter at the SOFINS 2025 International Special Operations Exhibition in Martigny-sur-Mer. The helicopter is designed for the French army and is part of Paris' efforts to integrate next-generation capabilities into units designed for evacuation, fire support and other rapid deployment tasks requiring low visibility.

Key Features of NH90 Caïman Standard 2

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 is an improved version of the previous generation of Caïman Standard 1 helicopters. The new model includes components specifically designed for covert operations. Among them:

- Infrared camera with laser pointer and target designator (EOS410 from Safran);

- Improved radio communications for joint and coalition operations;

- New types of weapons.

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter can be equipped with door-mounted machine guns, multi-functional rockets, rocket blocks and auxiliary cannons. It has a length of 20 meters, a rotor diameter of 16 meters and an external load capacity of 4,200 kilograms. The cabin can accommodate up to 20 soldiers or 10 stretchers for medical evacuation.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 is equipped with two turboshaft engines with up to 2,400 horsepower each. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, a flight range of 1,600 kilometers, and an operating altitude of 3,500 meters.

Airbus has signed a contract for the production of 18 NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopters for the 4th Special Forces Regiment of the French Army in Pai. Helicopter assembly has already begun at the Marignan facility, and deliveries are scheduled for the period from 2026 to 2029. After delivery, the new helicopters will replace the aging H215M Cougar and H225M Caracal models, also manufactured by Airbus.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 will play an important role in the operational capabilities of the French special forces, providing them with greater flexibility and effectiveness in difficult combat conditions.