Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A UK government minister has expressed frustration over not being fully updated on problems that led to the suspension of the British Army’s Ajax armoured vehicle programme. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a halt in further decisions regarding the future of the programme while additional investigations are underway. This comes after reports that 35 military personnel across 23 vehicles experienced illness, including symptoms such as vomiting and shaking, following training exercises last year.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard revealed that he had been initially assured the vehicle was “demonstrably safe” but later uncovered that vital information had been withheld. He has taken measures in response to these revelations, including replacing the senior team leader in charge of the project. The issues reportedly surfaced during exercises at Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire last November, where some soldiers suffered sickness due to noise and vibration inside the vehicles.
An MoD spokesperson at the time confirmed that “a small number of soldiers reported symptoms of noise and vibration” associated with the use of the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle. Although most affected personnel have since returned to active duty, Pollard stated in a parliamentary update that he was “angry” over the lack of comprehensive reporting and reiterated that the programme remains paused pending further review. In his written statement, he emphasized that concerns had been raised but were not elevated appropriately within the chain of command.
The Ajax project, manufactured by General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, has faced enduring criticism due to delays and management issues. Originally slated for service entry in 2019, the £6.3 billion programme is now eight years behind schedule. Previous pauses occurred in June 2021, linked to fears that the noise and vibration might cause hearing damage among trainees. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens emphasized the priority of ensuring equipment safety. Meanwhile, Conservative shadow defence minister Mark Francois urged ministers to resolve the Ajax programme decisively, highlighting Pollard’s statement as particularly remarkable and confirming leadership changes within the project as trials prepare to resume
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.