Helicopters sent to Afghanistan can't be used in combat

Six Merlin helicopters sent to reinforce the UK helicopter pool in Afghanistan cannot be used, according to RAF sources, in combat operations because they lack armour to protect them from gun and RPG fire by insurgents. The MOD however insist they are fit for use. Fitting the required kevlar armour to each helicopter is estimated to cost £100,000 so we are not talking about a huge amount here, equal to the average MP's lunch budget perhaps. And certainly cheaper than replacing a shot down Merlin never mind the human cost.