Overview
- The Army’s senior responsible owner for Ajax has been removed from the role, an interim has been appointed, and oversight has transferred to the National Armaments Director.
- Initial operating capability declared in November was withdrawn after training exposed noise and vibration issues that left dozens of soldiers unwell on Salisbury Plain.
- Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs the government must “back it or scrap it,” with Minister Luke Pollard saying a decision will be taken through the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
- About 170 vehicles across the six-variant family have been delivered, while critics allege chassis flaws linked to contractor General Dynamics are contributing to the problems.
- Reported alternatives include CV90, Rheinmetall Lynx or a Boxer reconnaissance variant, and cancelling Ajax would require restarting a selection process with the MoD facing a budget shortfall.