More helicopter news (update)

Further to this the MOD have issued a statement, faithfully reported by the BBC that

""The Merlin is one of our best protected helicopters and we are absolutely satisfied that it will be well protected against threats in Afghanistan.

"The fleet has already successfully flown thousands of missions over Iraq, often in the face of significant danger.

"Notwithstanding Merlin's success in Iraq, we are now spending an additional £45m improving its protection.

"When deployed to Afghanistan the Merlins will be ready to perform the full range of military tasks required, including combat missions and ferrying troops into battle.""

Can you spot what's missing? Yes they don't actually address the question of whether the Merlin helicopters will have Kevlar armour.