The new head of the British army said the launch of a support network for Muslims in the armed forces “reflects the growing numbers, importance and relevance” of their service to the UK.

The Armed Forces Muslim Association (Afma) aims to forge closer relationships with Islamic communities across the UK by helping Muslims to meet up with others of the same faith, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.

General Sir David Richards said Muslim soldiers, sailors and airmen were “serving the United Kingdom with such distinction today and I have no doubt, in the future”.

Sir David, who helped launch Afma at RAF Northolt in Middlesex yesterday, said: “It is right that these outstanding people have an organisation around which their views and aspirations can coalesce.

”It will also serve as a focal point for those that seek to better understand Muslims in the armed forces, and how they might best assist them to achieve their aspirations to the common good.”

Group Captain Zahur Ul-Haq, Afma’s chairman, said the organisation may also help to change public perceptions of Islam.

”There is growing perception that Muslims are not integrated into mainstream society and are anti-establishment - this is a myth,” he said.

”Muslims are playing a vital role across all aspects of the political and economic environment.

”In the British armed forces, Muslims have been extremely successful and currently hold a number of senior positions.

”The fact that we are willing to die for our country is a testament of our loyalty and our desire to protect the values that we all share.”

Muslim chaplain Imam Asim Hafiz said the armed forces were increasingly becoming a mirror of modern day Britain with “people from all cultures, faiths and backgrounds”.

He said Afma “will help to further boost the morale and confidence of Muslims that serve within the services”.

”We can also play a crucial role in helping the armed forces to better understand and meet the needs of Muslims within the demands of service life,” he said.

”We can also play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the Muslims within the military and Muslims in the community.”

Afma’s members plan to organise educational events in the community to improve the understanding of the role of British Muslims in the armed forces.

Serving Muslims would also be given access to a network of local information to help them find mosques close to their bases, the MoD said.

By Wesley Johnson