New helicopters arrive in Afghanistan

A fleet of upgraded helicopters will be patrolling the skies above Afghanistan, as beefed-up Lynx Mk9As have arrived in the country.

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), these choppers come with a more advanced communication system and better surveillance equipment which will give a timely boost to the efforts of frontline soldiers.

In addition, the helicopters also feature the M3m machine gun, which can fire more than 850 rounds a minute.

Major Max Lyttle, the officer commanding 672 Squadron, said that these improved choppers will be vital in battling Taliban forces.

"We are now in Afghanistan, playing an important role in protecting our ground forces and carrying out surveillance, boosting performance in Afghanistan’s challenging conditions," he added.

The MoD said up to 22 Lynx aircraft will be upgraded to the standard of the Mk9A.

Liam Fox, the secretary of state for defence, recently said on a trip to the warzone that British troops will be given all the equipment and support they need to get the job done.

Posted by Simon Williams