Multi-Billion Pound Armoured Vehicles Finally Cleared for Service
The British Army has officially declared its disaster-laden Ajax armoured vehicles ready for deployment, concluding a troubled programme that has run eight years behind schedule. This announcement comes despite revelations that soldiers participating in recent tests required hospital treatment for hearing problems and other medical issues.
Defence procurement minister Luke Pollard confirmed the vehicles' operational status during a visit to the Ajax factory in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, insisting that previous difficulties were "firmly in the past". However, it has since emerged that the Army launched a safety investigation this summer after approximately ten soldiers reported health concerns following training exercises on Salisbury Plain.
Fresh Safety Concerns Emerge During Testing
Military personnel involved in the summer tests reportedly suffered serious symptoms including headaches, loss of balance, motion issues and tinnitus. Some affected troops were sent to a military medical centre, understood to be within a hospital, for comprehensive checks and observation.
This represents the latest chapter in a long-running safety saga surrounding the Ajax vehicles. Back in December 2021, it was revealed that the tanks shook so violently that 310 personnel needed hearing assessments, with 17 requiring specialist treatment for hearing loss. Several soldiers were ultimately forced to leave the army and received compensation.
The noise problems are believed to be connected to the specialised headsets used within the vehicle, which feature both inner and outer earpieces. Despite these recent incidents, an Army investigation concluded that there were "no systemic issues" with the vehicles, allowing the deployment to proceed.
Massive Financial Investment Questioned
Britain has purchased 589 of these vehicles at a cost of £5.5 billion, with the total programme expenditure, including training, expected to reach approximately £6.3 billion. Each Ajax tank costs around £10 million and is designed to detect enemy forces from up to five miles away, being described by ministers as "the most advanced armoured fighting vehicles in the world".
However, the programme has faced significant criticism. A former Army officer who worked on the Ajax project told The Times: "I think that vehicle can and will cause harm." They added that there had been "ample opportunity to stop and do something else which, in light of Ukraine and other events, would seem a better use of £5 billion".
The safety concerns extend beyond the recent summer incidents. The investigation into hearing problems covers three variants of the vehicle: the standard Ajax, the troop-carrying Ares, and the Athena, which functions as a mobile headquarters.
When the Ajax programme originally began in 2010, the vehicles were scheduled to enter service around 2017. Currently, only 50 vehicles are ready for deployment, highlighting the significant delays that have plagued the project.
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement emphasising that "safety of our personnel is a top priority" and that "Ajax has been through rigorous trials and an assured safety process, and the evidence shows it is safe to operate". They acknowledged that all armoured vehicles produce some noise and vibration but confirmed they continue to ensure these "do not exceed statutory limits".
