For the run-up to Christmas, the MOD online news team has once again picked out the images that best represent our defence news coverage over the past year.

Ministry of Defense Article

Nearly 1,000 British and Afghan soldiers and Afghan Police have taken part in a major operation to clear insurgents from a crucial area of Helmand province.

Ministry of Defense Article

Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset celebrated Christmas a week early this year, taking advantage in a brief pause from operational tasking to engage in seasonal festivities on Sunday 18 December 2011.

Ministry of Defense Article

Members of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST) have been in Austria this month preparing for the 2011/2012 race season.

Ministry of Defense Article

Christmas arrived early this year for nearly 200 children who have parents serving overseas in the Armed Forces when they received gifts from Father Christmas at a party in the Victory Services Club in London.

Ministry of Defense Article

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a Royal Marine was killed today, Thursday 22 December 2011, in Afghanistan.

Ministry of Defense Article

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a Royal Marine was killed today, Thursday 22 December 2011, in Afghanistan.

Ministry of Defense Article

A £400m package of protected vehicles and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) technology to further improve the protection of British Forces in Afghanistan has been announced by Defence Secretary Philp Hammond today.

Ministry of Defense Article

Soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment raised the flag at their new barracks in Wiltshire for the first time earlier this month, just in time for Christmas.

Ministry of Defense Article

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been in Afghanistan for nine years building facilities to help the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan achieve its goal of long-term security and stability.

United States Army Article