The MoD have announced that the first batch of the British Army’s new Foxhound patrol vehicles have arrived in Afghanistan.

The vehicle is the latest protected vehicle in the arsenal and the MoD say it provides unprecedented levels of blast protection for its size and weight thanks to a v-shaped hull.

A statement from the ministry said: "Foxhound has been specifically designed and built in Britain to protect against the threats our troops face in Afghanistan.

"However, this is an agile and versatile vehicle that will be a mainstay in the Army for years to come.

"Being lighter and smaller than other protected vehicles such as Mastiff and Ridgeback, Foxhound brings a whole new capability to the Army and is ideal for soldiers operating in mentoring and partnering roles as it makes it easier for them to engage with Afghan National Security Forces and the local Afghan population."

The Foxhound has been designed with help from engineers involved in designing rally and even Formula One cars, giving it a top speed of 70mph on rough ground.

The first of the Foxhounds are currently undergoing final proving in Helmand before going into operation later in the year.