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Repairs are currently being carried out on 6,000 support vehicles of the British Army that were recently taken out of service due to safety concerns, according to a defence minister’s statement to Members of Parliament. Luke Pollard described the suspension of the entire fleet of support lorries as a demonstration of “the system working properly,” explaining that once a fault was detected, rectification efforts were promptly ordered and are now underway.
The vehicles in question, known as the MAN Logistic Support Vehicles, serve as crucial logistical assets, transporting essentials such as food and fuel to Army personnel. The decision to withdraw the entire fleet came after a fault was identified in the propshaft—responsible for transmitting power to the wheels—during the recent Titan Storm exercise held on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire. Some of the affected vehicles, which have been operational for nearly two decades, required replacement parts after incorrect fitting caused damage, as reported by BFBS Forces News.
Addressing concerns raised by Labour MP Derek Twigg regarding operational readiness in case of an emergency, Pollard reassured the Commons defence committee that the Army has maintained an adequate level of preparedness. He also noted that safety notices and updates on military platforms are quite routine, especially considering the age and usage of some of the equipment. “It’s pretty standard fare, right across our military platforms, for there to be safety notices issued and rectification work taking place,” he said.
The defence minister further answered questions about another incident during the Titan Storm exercise involving Ajax armoured fighting vehicles. Around 30 soldiers experienced adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting due to noise and vibration inside the vehicles, though none required hospitalization and many have since resumed normal duties. “I have always been clear that the safety of our people is our top priority, that’s why we have paused operations,” Pollard emphasized. Despite earlier remarks stating that the £6.3 billion Ajax programme had overcome its difficulties and was operationally ready, an investigation into the recent problems is ongoing, with reports expected soon. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is conducting a longer-term inquiry, and Pollard has also initiated a separate review to assess the reliability of prior safety assurances. When asked if he felt misled about the vehicles’ readiness, he responded, “Until I see the findings of the preliminary report into what happened, I don’t want to make a judgement on the process that led up to it.”
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