Prince Harry has qualified as an Apache attack helicopter pilot, finishing at the top of his class, the British Defence Ministry has announced.

Harry, who is third in line to be king after Prince Charles and Prince William, was the best co-pilot gunner in his class after 18 months of training.

The ministry said Thursday the prize recognizes the student whose performance is the best among the peer group.

Known in the military as Capt. Wales, the prince trained in California, southern Arizona and the U.K.. He will now fly Apaches on exercises in the U.K. and is expected to be sent to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty.

The Defence Ministry has refused to confirm details of the prince's future deployments.

The prince, a captain with the Army Air Corps, is keen to return to Afghanistan after his first tour of duty was cut short in 2008, the Telegraph reported. He is said to believe that flying Apaches gives him the best opportunity.

With files from The Associated Press