Defence chiefs have promised to keep better track of life-saving body armour after shortages were blamed for the death of Shipley soldier Sergeant Steve Roberts.

More than 146,000 pieces of enhanced combat body armour (ECBA) have been lost or damaged through wear and tear since 1992. This is about one-third of the 432,000 pieces of bullet-proof armour which were originally procured by the Ministry of Defence.

In a response to calls by the Commons' defence select committee to solve the shortcomings, the MoD said: "We have been frank and open about the difficulties encountered in tracking equipment in theatre. Improvements to this capability are being actively pursued."

Sgt Roberts, 33, was killed while trying to quell a riot in Iraq only days after being ordered to hand back his flak jacket because there were not enough to protect infantry troops. In evidence to the committee's inquiry earlier this year, the Defence Ministry's top official Sir Kevin Tebbitt confirmed 38,000 suits of enhanced body armour - containing ceramic plates - had been sent to Iraq.

But Sir Kevin also admitted there had been "localised shortfalls" because of late delivery and other problems.

Since Sgt Roberts' death, his widow Samantha, 33, has fought to ensure all soldiers have enhanced combat body armour.

The MoD has signalled it is studying issuing troops with flak jackets as standard kit like uniforms, helmet and guns. A decision is due later this year.

A National Audit Office report published in the spring concluded British troops went into battle in Iraq "shamefully ill-equipped."

But an official investigation has since found Sgt Roberts was probably shot by his own men. Four soldiers could now face charges.