RAF Merlin Achieves Afghanistan Operating Capability

The RAF's Merlin helicopter Force has achieved Initial Operating Capability in Afghanistan, one month ahead of schedule.

The deployment of the Merlin follows an intense work-up period that saw the helicopters reconfigured and aircrew retrained for the demanding operational environment in Afghanistan.

Merlins are now being used to transport troops to and from Forward Operating Bases and to resupply them with equipment, food and ammunition.

Group Captain Jonathan Burr, Station Commander at the Merlin Force's RAF Benson base, 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.

Commander Joint Helicopter Command, Rear Admiral Tony Johnstone-Burt, said: "This...is a major step forward in supporting [British] troops...the first Merlins are now operating on the frontline, and more will follow."

RAF in Afghanistan

The RAF's contribution to Nato efforts in Afghanistan is called Operation 'Herrick'. Earlier this year the Merlin Force left Iraq after four demanding years supporting Operation 'Telic'.

In order to be ready for operations in Afghanistan, which differs from Iraq in being a 'hot and high' environment, the aircrew and supporting engineering personnel had to be retrained and the aircraft reconfigured to cope with the specific challenges of operating in Helmand.

The Merlin Force is going to provide a boost to the RAF in Afghanistan by working alongside the Chinook and Puma fleet in supporting troops with vital strategic and tactical battlefield support.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth commented said: "The Merlin's early initial operating capability is an outstanding effort, achieved through the ongoing determination and sheer hard work applied by all those involved."

Joint Helicopter Command

The Merlin is part of the UK's Joint Helicopter Command force, a tri-service organisation that overarches the UK's support helicopters also incorporating Chinook and Puma, Royal Navy Sea King and Lynx and Army Air Corps Apache, Lynx and Gazelle. Formed in 1999, it operates over 250 support helicopters.

The Merlin itself entered RAF service in 1999, since when it has been deployed almost continuously on operations - first in Bosnia, then in Iraq and now in Afghanistan. There are two Merlin squadrons at RAF Benson, No 28 (AC) and No 78 Squadrons, with five flights operating the aircraft.