Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan

Prime Minister Julia Gillard says Australia's large contribution of special forces soldiers and commandos in Afghanistan is justified, as the nation mourned the 28th fatality in the mission.

Sergeant Todd Langley, 35, from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment, died from a gun shot wound to the head during a battle in southern Afghanistan on Monday.

He is the 28th Australian soldier to die in action in Afghanistan since 2001, and the seventh this year.

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Just under half have been special forces and commandos, with many having been on multiple tours.

Australia has about 320 special forces soldiers and commandos in Afghanistan - the third largest contributor of such forces behind the United States and Britain.

Expressing the nation's condolences on Tuesday, Ms Gillard said that being in Afghanistan remained in Australia's national interest.

She said Australia's special forces were lauded around the world.

"We need them in the numbers we have in Afghanistan because they do take the fire up, push back the insurgency," Ms Gillard told reporters in Canberra.

But we will do everything we can to care and support his family and his mates throughout this time and beyond.'

Sgt Langley had been awarded two commendations for distinguished service and had a unit citation for gallantry.

General Hurley said the soldier who was wounded in the engagement was provided with combat first aid at the scene of the engagement.

He was airlifted to a medical facility in Karin Towt and then transferred to a hospital in Kandahar for further treatment.

'From there he has contacted his family,' General Hurley said, adding the soldier was in a serious but stable condition.

The intent of the Australian and Afghan National Army operation on Monday was to disrupt insurgents and deny them a safe haven to plan, coordinate and execute their operations, the general said.

Because the operation is still ongoing, no further details are being released by defence.

General Hurley said the 28 Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the start of the conflict were not just numbers.

'They are fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and mates,' he said.

'They are soldiers and Australians will not forget their selfless sacrifice.