Overview
- Defence minister Luke Pollard announced IOC at General Dynamics’ Merthyr Tydfil plant, confirming a squadron can now deploy on operations.
- The Army has received more than 165 vehicles so far out of 589 on order, with completion targeted by 2030.
- The programme totals about £5.5bn–£6.3bn, putting the per-vehicle cost near £10 million.
- Trials in 2020–21 were halted after hearing injuries linked to noise and vibration; the Ministry of Defence says mitigations and protective equipment now keep crews safe.
- Designed for long-range reconnaissance with sensors detecting targets up to five miles away, Ajax is set to operate within a combined-arms force as officers downplay direct comparisons to Ukraine’s drone-heavy fighting.