Tim Ripley, editor of Defence Eye, said the principal role of Merlin Mk4s was to carry Royal Marines into battle, describing the aircraft as a “go anywhere helicopter”.
He said Merlins were first used by the Royal Air Force in 2001 before being transferred to the marines a decade ago.
Ripley added the helicopter had three engines, which while unusual meant it had more speed and better manoeuvrability when flying around battlefields at low level.
“Flying military helicopters at night, even on home turf, is inherently dangerous,” Ripley said.
“There is a risk that comes with this type of flying helicopters at night and at low level.
“It’s a dangerous activity wherever you do it, let alone in a foreign battlefield.”