France’s new NH90 helicopter for its Special Operations Forces completed its first operational trials and evaluations, marking a step ahead of the delivery of the first units during 2026, which were purchased in January 2024. The initial test campaign was conducted on the prototype of the NH90 Standard 2 standard, a variant developed specifically to support French Army special operations missions.
The trials were carried out by teams from the French Armament General Directorate – Flight Test Center (DGA Essais en Vol) together with the Army’s Aeromobility Group of the Technical Section (GAMSTAT), based in Valence. During this campaign, different aspects of the aircraft’s performance were assessed with the aim of validating its capabilities and defining operational employment procedures for special operations missions.
Activities included validating the helicopter’s general performance and confirming the employment envelope of the MAG58 machine guns mounted on the side doors. These systems improve the crew’s responsiveness and self-defense capability, and are also part of the configuration planned for aeromobile and troop insertion operations.
The trials also included evaluating new structural modifications and mission systems integrated into the aircraft. These include enlarged opening rear windows, validation of mission sensors and lasers, and advanced functions of the EOS410D electro-optical system, along with other electronic and avionics components designed to enhance reconnaissance and support capabilities in special operations.
According to France’s Armament General Directorate (DGA), “the Special Forces NH90 validated its performance and enhanced capabilities,” highlighting that these tests are part of the process for bringing this version into service. The agency also noted that the campaign helped advance the definition of the operating procedures that will be used by the units that will fly the aircraft.
France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces reported that the NH90 FS (Forces Spéciales) incorporates various new systems, including the Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensor developed by Safran, which provides infrared modes and tracking, designation, and laser-ranging functions. The aircraft will also feature the Eurofl’eye Distributed Aperture System (DAS), the TopOwl digital helmet-mounted display, digital fly-by-wire flight controls, single-pilot operation capability, and an automated fault-diagnosis and maintenance system.
Other modifications include a rear access ramp for personnel and equipment, as well as enlarged sliding windows that enable the operation of side-mounted machine guns. These improvements were designed to optimize the helicopter’s use in infiltration, extraction, and support missions for the French Army’s special operations forces.
A second test campaign is planned from July 2026, once the first production aircraft is delivered. These trials will focus on evaluating the new upgraded cargo hook and the laser designator, as part of the process aimed at completing the operational certification of this NH90 version before its full integration into France’s special operations units.
Images obtained from the DGA.
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