Last helicopters due back from Iraq

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The last two Merlin Mk3 aircraft to arrive from operations in Iraq are expected to land at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth is expected at the base for the event, marking the end of the helicopters' six years of service before they are prepared to be sent to Afghanistan.

A flypast will celebrate the achievements of the Merlin and Puma aircraft. Crews will then be greeted by senior RAF and Joint Helicopter Command officers, as well as their colleagues, friends and families.

The Ministry of Defence insisted last week that the six Merlin helicopters due to be deployed in Afghanistan were "fit for operational use".

Responding to claims the aircraft would not be able to fly combat missions due to a lack of armour plating, a spokesman said they were fitted with ballistic protection as standard.

He added that they "are being fitted with a range of modifications to make them fit for operational use".

The political row over the provision of helicopters to commanders in Afghanistan erupted after a mounting death toll as troops engaged in Operation Panther's Claw.

The ability to transport troops by air reduces the risk of attack from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which have claimed dozens of lives during the conflict.

The Merlins are due to be deployed to Afghanistan at the end of this year.