To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) operational control, (b) administrative control, (c) technical control and (d) other command relationship there is between British and non-British forces (i) operating in Helmand Province and (ii) deployed on ESDP military operations by unit down to the battalion level; and what the nationality is of each unit. (190875)

The only permanent non-UK battalion-sized unit from the International Stabilisation Force (ISAF) based in Helmand province is provided by Denmark. It is under the Operational Control of the UK Commander of Task Force Helmand.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) currently deploys five units of battalion size or greater in Helmand province. Their operations are closely coordinated with ISAF operations, including through the use of Operational Mentoring, Liaison and Training Teams, although there is no formal command relationship between ISAF and ANA units.

Other non-UK units may, on occasion, temporarily deploy into Helmand province for specific missions: the precise command relationships with these units will vary dependent on the precise nature of their operational taskings. The UK does not have any battalion level units conducting ESDP operations.