The soldier, serving with 4th Battalion The Rifles, was killed as a result of an explosion that happened near Sangin in central Helmand province during the afternoon.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Wakefield, said yesterday:
"It is my sad duty to inform you that a soldier from The Rifles was killed today in an explosion near Sangin in Helmand province.
"He died a soldier, doing his duty, and among his fellow soldiers he will not be forgotten."
Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.