The Lynx Mk9As, with their increased fire power, more powerful engines, and the ability to operate all year in the harsh ‘hot and high’ Afghan environment, have increased the total number of flying hours available to commanders.

The stripped-down helicopters were transported by C-17 Globemaster aircraft from RAF Brize Norton to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

There, the rotor blades were fitted and familiarisation flights took place before operational sorties began in earnest earlier this month.

The Lynx Mk9A is fitted with a more advanced communication system, improved surveillance equipment and the M3M machine gun – a 0.50-calibre weapon capable of firing over 850 rounds per minute.

The new helicopters are already performing a wide range of front line tasks, including convoy overwatch, support helicopter escort, reconnaissance and surveillance, and the movement of forces.