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Defence Minister Luke Pollard expressed strong dismay upon learning about soldiers being injured while operating Ajax armoured vehicles, despite earlier assurances regarding their safety. This revelation followed the Army’s decision last month to suspend the use of these vehicles after 30 soldiers reported illness linked to noise and vibration exposure during a military exercise. The Ajax programme, which carries a budget of £6.3 billion, was initially planned to deliver 589 vehicles, with the first entering service in 2017. However, the initiative has faced numerous setbacks and delays since its inception.
During a session in the House of Commons, Pollard confirmed that three separate inquiries are currently examining the matter, and he pledged to take “whatever decisions are required to end the saga one way or another.” He also pointed out that the Ajax vehicle had passed 42,000 kilometers of testing without such reported injuries and noted that not all vehicles involved in the exercise caused harm. In contrast, Shadow Conservative Defence Secretary James Cartlidge highlighted that the noise and vibration issues seemed to mirror problems he had previously been assured were resolved during his time overseeing defence procurement. Cartlidge criticized those responsible for the programme for repeatedly providing what turned out to be false assurances, urging a clear choice to either fix or abandon the Ajax project.
Further controversy arose when Cartlidge drew attention to reports of a General Dynamics employee making derogatory social media comments about the injured soldiers. Pollard acknowledged that the company had issued a written apology to the Ministry of Defence. General Dynamics responded to the criticism by stating they have launched an internal investigation, emphasizing that the remarks do not reflect the company’s values. The British Army’s order for Ajax vehicles dates back to 2014, intended to replace the aging CVR(T) fleet, which had been in service since 1971. Despite initial plans for full service by 2017, delivery deadlines have slipped significantly. As of now, 322 of the planned 589 vehicles have been produced, with over 170 distributed to the Army, while full operational capability is not expected for another four years.
A 2023 review uncovered “systemic and institutional” failures within the project, citing an “optimism bias” among staff working on Ajax. Interim Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had previously suggested that the programme had improved, with Pollard echoing this sentiment in early November. Nonetheless, the government confirmed in late November that a training exercise had been halted when soldiers reported adverse effects from noise and vibration, including vomiting and involuntary shaking, as reported by The Times. In response to urgent parliamentary questions, Pollard disclosed he had received prior written assurances from senior defence officials affirming Ajax’s safety but affirmed his commitment to uncovering the root cause of recent incidents. He has initiated a ministerial review in addition to ongoing investigations by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch and Army Safety Investigation Team, emphasizing the priority placed on soldier safety.
The reaction from political figures has been critical and concerned. Tan Dhesi, chair of the parliamentary defence committee, described the situation as “an absolute shambles” that raised alarms about military preparedness amid growing international tensions. Liberal Democrat defence spokesman James MacCleary called for contingency plans should Ajax prove unsafe or unfeasible. Highlighting the economic stakes, Newport West and Islwyn MP Ruth Jones queried about job security tied to the facility manufacturing the vehicles in South Wales. While Pollard stopped short of giving concrete assurances, he acknowledged General Dynamics’ significant economic role in the region. Meanwhile, Sir Julian Lewis, a Conservative, worried about potential financial conflicts if the government cancels the Ajax programme, warning of a likely dispute over liability for costs. Pollard refrained from speculation but confirmed that all options remain open pending the review’s outcome.
General Dynamics defended Ajax as the UK’s most advanced and extensively tested armoured fighting vehicle, underscoring their serious approach to safety allegations and the integrity of their testing protocols. The company stated full cooperation with official investigations and committed to implementing necessary corrective actions after the Army concludes its inquiries. Their stated priority remains delivering Ajax with the highest standards of quality and safety to ensure a dependable capability for the Armed Forces while protecting personnel who serve
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