Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first Tiger retrofitted into the HAD version to the French Army's ALAT aviation service, following completion of the formal acceptance process with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA).

A total of 36 Tiger helicopters delivered to the French Army are being retrofitted from the HAP (Hélicoptère d'Appui Protection, or support and escort helicopter) version to the HAD (Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction, or support and destruction helicopter) configuration.

The HAD Tiger features an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW), and is equipped with two new enhanced MTR 390 E engines and a new STRIX roof-mounted sight system complete with a laser designator that allows the Hellfire II air-to-ground missile to be fired.

The retrofit involves performing over 100 airframe modifications and installing over 1,500 new parts and 250 electrical cables.

To manage the programme, Airbus Helicopters has set up a new industrial organization, combining teams from its Military Support Center France and the Tiger Final Assembly Line.

The Tiger HAD is designed to perform armed reconnaissance, air or ground escort, air-to-air combat, ground firing support, destruction and anti-tank warfare, day or night and in adverse conditions.

The Tiger has proven its capabilities during operational deployments in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Libya and Mali. It is in service with the armed forces of France, Germany, Spain and Australia.