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Page last updated at 16:46 GMT, Tuesday, 11 August 2009 17:46 UK

Afghan Merlins 'won't be rushed'

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Merlin helicopters will be deployed in Afghanistan by the end of the year but will not be rushed, risking safety, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth has told the BBC.

Speaking at an event at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, Mr Ainsworth told the BBC's Defence Correspondent Caroline Wyatt that the Merlin fleet required "modifications" and more staff training before embarking on operations in Afghanistan.

READ MORE: 'No rush' to redeploy helicopters

SEE ALSO

UK Afghan helicopters 'unsafe'(01.01)
Brown: UK has enough helicopters(03.07)
Minister defends Afghan operation(02.03)
Afghan operation 'is ground based'(05.50)
Anger over 'cut and shut' chopper(00.30)
Army 'busting a gut' for more helicopters(01.08)
'We need more boots on the ground'(10.27)

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