Another Australian soldier has died in Afghanistan.

The 40-year-old soldier from Perth was on his seventh tour of duty in the troubled country when he was fatally wounded in Oruzghan Province yesterday morning.

Defence force chief DAVID HURLEY says the SAS trooper was involved in an operational incident when insurgents shot him in the chest:

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The soldier’s family has requested that his name not be released.

Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD says the man’s death is a “dreadful blow” to the nation but she has again defended the “mission” in Afghanistan, insisting it will continue.

Picture: Defence Force chief General David Hurley announces the death of another Australian soldier in Afghanistan this morning