The soldier died from a gunshot wound sustained during a small arms fire engagement with insurgent forces in the Nahr-e Saraj area of Helmand this morning.
He was conducting a joint foot patrol with the Afghan National Army, in order to reassure the local population following insurgent intimidation, when the incident took place.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel James Carr-Smith, said:
"It is with great sadness I must inform you that a soldier from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, part of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, was killed this morning in Nahr-e Saraj (South).
"He was conducting a joint foot patrol with the Afghan National Army when he was killed by small arms fire. He died doing his duty, alongside his mates, whilst seeking to reassure the local population and counter insurgent intimidation.
"He will be greatly missed and we will always remember him."
Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.