British Army soldiers in Afghanistan Photo: GETTY
The soldier was from the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
He died in the blast while on patrol in Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province yesterday.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said: "It is with a deep sense of regret that I must confirm the death of a soldier from 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles yesterday afternoon.
"The soldier was patrolling within the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand Province, as part of the ongoing mission to protect and reassure the local population, when he was struck by an explosion.
"He has made the ultimate sacrifice while steadfastly fulfilling his duty protecting others.
"His loss will be greatly felt by all who knew him; he will not be forgotten."
A total of 339 British troops have died since the start of operations in Afghanistan in 2001.