Seventh Harrier off to Afghanistan

BRITAIN is to send another RAF Harrier fighter jet, above, to Afghanistan to support hard-pressed ground troops, it was announced yesterday.

The single aircraft is being temporarily dispatched amid fears British forces are massively under-equipped.

Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, said that the deployment was in response to a surge in demand for close air-support from British and other international troops fighting the Taleban.

It will take to seven the number of Harriers in Afghanistan, based at Kandahar. "As with any operational commitment, the duration of this deployment will be kept under constant review," Mr Browne said.

The British announcement came as the German military asked for armoured fighting vehicles to better protect its 2,700 troops in Afghanistan.

Commanders have asked for Marder vehicles. The government has still to approve the deployment, but the defence ministry said "it makes military sense" to send the vehicles.