RAF Merlins given green light for ops in Afghanistan

Following the arrival of the first RAF Merlin helicopters in Afghanistan, the initial Merlin force has now passed the extensive pre-flight checks enabling them to take to the Afghan skies one month ahead of schedule, the MoD announced today.

This declaration of an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) means that following transportation to Afghanistan; re-assembly and pre-flight checks, Merlins are now available for operational flying on the front line.

The Merlins are transporting troops to and from the Forward Operating Bases and are re-supplying them with ammunition, food and equipment.

The full Merlin deployment to Afghanistan will be completed by the end of this year, providing a significant increase in UK military helicopters. Merlins can carry up to 20 personnel and will provide an additional capability to the Chinook, Sea King and Lynx.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said: "I am really pleased that the Merlin helicopters are now up and running in Afghanistan and have been given the green light for operations. The delivery of this capability is one-month ahead of schedule and it is an outstanding effort, achieved through the ongoing determination and sheer hard work applied by all those involved."

Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said: "This is a tremendous achievement by the Merlin Helicopter Force. Having left Iraq in the summer, they have retrained the aircrew and reconfigured the aircraft for Afghanistan in double-quick time.

"This marks a tangible enhancement of helicopter capability in theatre, and is a major step forward in supporting our troops. The whole Joint Helicopter Force's morale is very high, the first Merlins are now operating on the front line, and more will follow."

Group Captain Jonathan Burr, Station Commander at RAF Benson, where the Merlin Force is based, said: "The delivery of Merlin in Afghanistan almost a month ahead of schedule is testament to the outstanding efforts and teamwork of the Merlin Force and RAF Benson. We have pulled out all the stops to get the aircraft into Afghanistan as soon as possible and are now ready to provide significant helicopter lift to the troops in Helmand."