French NH90 Caiman attains initial combat capability
The French Navy's NH90 Caiman anti-submarine warfare helicopter has achieved initial combat capability after being qualified to operate the MU90 lightweight torpedo, the navy announced on 13 March.
This marks a major milestone for the operational duo of the French FREMM frigate and the NH90 Caiman Marine, which is qualified for engaging modern submarine threats at stand-off ranges.
The first French Navy NH90 Caiman Marine helicopter was delivered on May 2010, after which the helicopter flew its first mission on the Atlantic coast in December 2011 and operated as a maritime anit-terrorism asset.
In February 2013, the helicopter was qualified for a ship-based anti-submarine warfare mission to support the navy's missile submarines and aircraft carrier task force.
At present, an NH90 Caiman anti-submarine warfare helicopter is currently deployed on the air defence frigate Chevalier Paul in the Middle East.
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