French Navy Re-Activates Caiman Marine Squadron

The French Navy has re-activated the 31 Flottille squadron to begin NH90 Caiman Marine operations on the Mediterranean.

The unit, which previously operated the Lynx, was disbanded in June 2010. Now it has reformed at Hyeres, near Toulon, becoming the second French Fleet Air Arm NH90 unit.

The unit will first take on the maritime emergency (SECMAR) role for France's Mediterranean coastline before later beginning shipborne operations. 31F's aircraft will be put to use on detachments to Forbin-class air defence ships, while 33F, the other NH90 unit, will deploy its aircraft on the FREMM-class vessels. The French Navy hopes to begin operations of the anti-submarine warfare combat systems of the aircraft in 2013.

NH90s conducted flight deck trials onto the back of the FREMM Aquitaine frigates for the first time in March 2012.

The NH90 comes in two versions for the French armed forces: the NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for the French Army Air Corps (ALAT); and the NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter).

The French Navy will receive 27 Caimans up to 2020. Of the 27, 13 of them will have a rear loading ramp, allowing them to carry out combat assault missions. The other 14 will be used in the anti-submarine role.