France has received its latest NH90 Caiman TTH tactical transport helicopter from NH Industries.

Flightglobal reports that France has thus completed the formation of a fleet of 63 helicopters of this model.

The helicopter, which was assembled at Airbus Helicopters (a member of the NHI consortium) in Marignane, France, was accepted by the French Defense Procurement Agency DGA.

With the gradual retirement of the Puma helicopters, the NH90 Caiman TTH now forms the Army’s main tactical helicopter fleet, alongside the modernized H215M Cougar and H225M Caracal.

While the latest delivery completes France’s acquisition of the TTH (Tactical Troop Transport) variant, a further 18 NH90s will be delivered to its army between 2026 and 2029.

They will be prepared in a special forces support configuration.

Flight testing of this improved version of the Standard 2 for the SDF began in mid-2024, and key features include updated sensors and the ability to mount additional weapons.

NHI has also previously delivered 27 NH90 helicopters to the French Navy in the NFH maritime configuration.

In December 2010, the NH90 was officially accepted into service in France, initially used for search and rescue and maritime counterterrorism operations.

In 2012, it was announced that the first NH90 NFH of the French Navy had become operational.

In the same year, the existing helicopters were authorized to perform anti-submarine warfare tasks, which had previously been assigned to the Westland Lynx and Aérospatiale Super Frelon.

The final 27th NH90 helicopter will be assigned to the 33rd Flotilla of the French Navy.