Helicopter shortage 'risking lives'

Soldiers are being forced to brave improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines on the roads because of the shortage, the Tory leader said.

UK troop levels in Afghanistan have risen significantly over the last few years, but the number of helicopters has hardly changed.

Speaking during a visit to the troubled country, Mr Cameron said: "What the soldiers tell you is they have to travel more by road, there's more risk of mines, more risk of improvised roadside devices."

He told ITV News: "I've come (to Afghanistan) three times in a row. Three times I've heard the same thing - we need more helicopters."

Mr Cameron accepted that the Government had been "trying to resolve the situation", but insisted they had not done enough.

The Conservatives have refused to pledge extra money for defence, but Mr Cameron says getting more helicopters is a question of "political will" rather than cash.

They could prioritise the existing budgets and other Nato members could be asked to supply more, he suggested.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Ministers and Chiefs continue to do all that they can to increase helicopter availability. We have already increased helicopter flying hours by a third in southern Afghanistan since March 2007. We have also purchased new Merlin helicopters and are converting Chinooks for theatre.

"The mission in Afghanistan is a coalition effort, therefore it is only right that our assets are shared."