To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who has operational responsibility for air combat missions flown by UK aircraft in Afghanistan; and where that person is based. (278964)

UK Fast Air fixed wing aircraft and Apache helicopters fly combat missions in support of ISAF operations in Afghanistan and are under the operational command of Commander Joint Operations. For fast air fixed wing aircraft, in theatre operational control is provided by the Deputy Coalition Forces Air Component Commander, based in Al Udeid. In theatre, operational control for Apache helicopters is provided by Commander ISAF.