UK Government Pauses Ajax Armoured-Vehicle Testing Following Soldier Illnesses
The UK government has paused all testing of the Ajax armoured vehicles after a further soldier fell ill during safety trials.
Approximately 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a November training exercise involving the vehicles, prompting three separate investigations.
Prior to the latest incident, 23 vehicles used in the November exercise had already been suspended, with inspection results expected to be published in the New Year.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard noted that the most recent case of vibration illness occurred during additional safety trials that were part of ongoing investigations.
The soldier who fell ill did not require hospitalisation, and the vehicle involved is not among those 23 suspended but is currently undergoing a thorough investigation.
The Ajax vehicles, built by General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, were originally planned to deliver 589 units and enter service in 2017.
The £6.3 billion Ajax programme has experienced repeated delays and safety concerns, primarily due to noise and vibration injuries affecting testers.
This pause and the investigations reflect ongoing safety and procurement challenges within the UK Ministry of Defence and the British Army.
