Afghan weapons not depleted: MoD
Defence chiefs have denied that the fierce fighting in Afghanistan has depleted stocks of ammunition and vehicle spares.
A day after a member of 14 Signal Regiment was shot dead when rebels attacked his platoon house in Musa Qaleh, the Ministry of Defence insisted commanders in the central Asian state are "content" with their equipment and supplies.
The comments followed claims that weapons and components intended to last until April could be used up by December.
The MoD may have to ask for more money from the Treasury or find savings elsewhere as its £1bn fighting fund was rapidly depleted, it has been reported.
Eight British Apache attack helicopters were said to be particularly hard hit, and running flat-out to meet demands for support.
British soldiers have met fierce resistance in parts of Afghanistan, particularly Helmand province in the south, on their security and reconstruction mission.
The 8,000-strong Nato force in the country is now made up largely of British, Canadian and Dutch troops, as well as some US personnel.
Rebel fighters, including Taliban militants, have mounted a series of attacks on bases and vehicle patrols.
Brigadier Ed Butler, commander of the UK taskforce in the troubled Helmand region, has admitted that operations in northern Helmand are "demanding".
An MoD spokeswoman said: "There is no problem with resupply logistics. Equipment is being resupplied as it is needed. In terms of Apache helicopters, we are operating as part of a coalition. It is a Nato mission, not just a British mission.