A statement from Sarkozy's office says the serviceman came under gunfire while serving in a mission to back up Afghan troops in the south of the tense Tagab valley. He was evacuated by helicopter to the French military hospital in Kabul, where he died.

The statement did not release the paratrooper's name or give other details.

Sarkozy pledged to keep up France's involvement in the international force in Afghanistan, where 41 French troops have been killed.