Overview
- During final summer trials on Salisbury Plain, about ten troops reported noise and vibration symptoms including headaches, balance problems, motion issues and tinnitus.
- Some personnel were treated at a military medical centre, with several sent to hospital for checks and observation after the exercise.
- An army safety team investigated and reported no systemic issues, and the vehicle was granted initial operating capability in September before being showcased this week.
- Journalists measured roughly 90 decibels near an Ajax, with crews using dual-layer ear protection as defence sources say exposure remains within safety limits for typical operations.
- The £5.5bn, 589-vehicle programme is eight years late, with only about 50 platforms ready with trained crews, as critics and analysts warn that headset-linked noise and vibration concerns persist.