The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the deaths of two RAF personnel who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

The MoD released a statement confirming that Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott, of 33 Squadron Royal Air Force, and Flight Lieutenant Geraint ‘Roly’ Roberts, of 230 Squadron Royal Air Force, died following the crash in Kabul on Sunday.

Both officers were members of the Puma helicopter force based at RAF Benson near Wallingford.

Group Captain Simon Paterson, Station Commander at RAF Benson, said: "Today we mourn the loss of two of our most capable and dedicated colleagues and friends, both of whom were exceptional men who made a massive impact on the Puma Force and, indeed, the Station.

"They will be greatly missed by all and we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott and Flight Lieutenant Geraint ‘Roly’ Roberts.

"A well-respected pilot, Alan was part of the core team which make up the Puma Force. His experience and level-headed nature made him an ideal pilot to go to Afghanistan on operations.

"His passion and enthusiasm for the job were second to none and he was a large part of the success that the Puma 2 has become.

"I completed my Puma 2 conversion course with Roly last year and have known him as long as I have been flying Support Helicopters. He was a military man to his core and was the epitome of all that the RAF represents. It was an honour to have served and flown with him.

"Their outstanding contributions to the Service and Station will not be forgotten and they will live on in our hearts and minds."

Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott from London, was 32. He studied at Loughborough University before enlisting in the RAF in May 2006 as a pilot.

Flt Lt Scott graduated initial officer training and subsequently served at RAF Church Fenton and RAF Shawbury before being posted to RAF Benson in December 2009.

After graduation from the Operational Conversion Flight at RAF Benson, Flt Lt Scott was posted to the operational flights of 33 Squadron.

A combat-ready Puma pilot, he was undertaking his first operational tour with the Puma before he progressed to qualification as a tactics instructor. 

His commanding officer, Wing Commander Mark Biggadike, said: "Flt Lt Alan Scott, known as “Scotty” to all on the Puma Force, was a highly professional and diligent officer and pilot."

Flight Lieutenant Geraint Roberts from North Wales was 44 and joined the RAF in 1988.

After a short period as an air traffic controller, he transferred to undertake training as non-commissioned aircrew. Once his initial training was complete, Flt Lt Roberts became an air loadmaster on the Chinook aircraft before eventually qualifying as an instructor.

He subsequently undertook initial officer training and was posted to RAF Benson as the Crewman Leader for 230 Squadron. He has served in Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Married with two children, Flt Lt Roberts was a charismatic professional who will be sadly missed by all.

His commanding officer, Wing Commander Toby Sawbridge, said: "Flight Lieutenant Geraint Roberts, known to his colleagues as Roly, was an extremely experienced, loyal and dedicated loadmaster. Recently commissioned, Roly joined the Puma Force just over a year ago, bringing with him over 20 years of flying experience accumulated on Chinook and Griffin helicopters which he operated as an instructor at the Defence Helicopter Flying School. He was my ‘go to’ man for all crewman issues and his honest and direct approach was always welcomed."

Major General Richard Felton, the Commander of Joint Helicopter Command, said: I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Flight Lieutenant Alan Scott and Flight Lieutenant Geraint Roberts, my thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their families and friends at this difficult time. They will be sorely missed by all within the Joint Helicopter Command and especially at RAF Benson.

I also send my most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the three NATO personnel who also lost their lives in this tragic accident.

This accident is a reminder of the dangers our service men and women face in military service; I’m extremely proud of their unwavering professionalism, courage and commitment to serve and protect the nation."

Major General Tim Radford, the Deputy Commander of Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, said: "We were all deeply shocked and saddened yesterday following the tragic air crash here in Camp RESOLUTE SUPPORT which claimed the lives of Alan Scott and Geraint Roberts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends at this very difficult time. They will be sorely missed by all of us."

Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon said: "The heartfelt tributes paid to Flight Lieutenant Scott and Flight Lieutenant Roberts demonstrate that they were both highly respected and professional members of the RAF.

"Their untimely deaths are a tragedy and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families at this difficult time."