British Army Suspends Ajax Vehicle Training Amid Health Concerns
Published 26 November 2025
Highlights
- The British Army has paused the use of Ajax armoured vehicles after 30 soldiers fell ill due to noise and vibration during a training exercise.
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched an investigation and halted Ajax training for two weeks as a precautionary measure.
- The Ajax programme, costing £6.3 billion, has faced delays and technical issues since its inception, with full delivery now expected by the end of the decade.
- Defence Minister Luke Pollard had recently claimed the programme had overcome its challenges, with initial operating capability declared.
- Despite ongoing issues, the MoD continues limited testing to identify and resolve any remaining problems with the vehicles.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: British Army Suspends Ajax Vehicle Training Amid Health Concerns
The British Army has temporarily suspended the use of its Ajax armoured vehicles following an incident where approximately 30 soldiers became ill due to noise and vibration during a military exercise. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a two-week pause in training to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Background and Recent Developments
The Ajax programme, a £6.3 billion initiative aimed at modernizing the British Army's armoured fighting capabilities, has been fraught with delays and technical challenges. Originally scheduled for full deployment in 2019, the programme has faced repeated setbacks, with the latest delivery now anticipated by the end of the decade. Despite these issues, Defence Minister Luke Pollard recently declared the programme had "left its troubles behind," as Ajax achieved initial operating capability.
Health Concerns and Investigation
During a recent training exercise on Salisbury Plain, soldiers reported symptoms such as vomiting and uncontrollable shaking, prompting the MoD to halt the exercise and test all involved personnel. While most soldiers have been cleared for duty, a small number continue to receive medical care. The MoD spokesperson emphasized that the pause in training is a precautionary measure, with limited testing of the vehicles continuing to address any remaining issues.
Technical Challenges and Future Prospects
The Ajax vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, are intended to replace the aging CVR(T) fleet. However, the programme has been plagued by persistent noise and vibration issues, which were initially identified during demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. Defence expert Prof Michael Clarke noted that these problems have not been fully resolved, raising concerns about the vehicles' battlefield readiness.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing challenges with the Ajax programme highlight broader issues within the UK's defence procurement processes. If the current investigation identifies significant flaws, it could lead to further delays and increased scrutiny of the MoD's handling of the project. Politically, the situation may prompt calls for greater transparency and accountability in defence spending. Experts suggest that resolving the technical issues is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the UK's armoured capabilities, especially as the military seeks to modernize in response to evolving global threats.
The British Army has temporarily suspended the use of its Ajax armoured vehicles following an incident where approximately 30 soldiers became ill due to noise and vibration during a military exercise. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a two-week pause in training to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Background and Recent Developments
The Ajax programme, a £6.3 billion initiative aimed at modernizing the British Army's armoured fighting capabilities, has been fraught with delays and technical challenges. Originally scheduled for full deployment in 2019, the programme has faced repeated setbacks, with the latest delivery now anticipated by the end of the decade. Despite these issues, Defence Minister Luke Pollard recently declared the programme had "left its troubles behind," as Ajax achieved initial operating capability.
Health Concerns and Investigation
During a recent training exercise on Salisbury Plain, soldiers reported symptoms such as vomiting and uncontrollable shaking, prompting the MoD to halt the exercise and test all involved personnel. While most soldiers have been cleared for duty, a small number continue to receive medical care. The MoD spokesperson emphasized that the pause in training is a precautionary measure, with limited testing of the vehicles continuing to address any remaining issues.
Technical Challenges and Future Prospects
The Ajax vehicles, manufactured by General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, are intended to replace the aging CVR(T) fleet. However, the programme has been plagued by persistent noise and vibration issues, which were initially identified during demonstrations in 2020 and 2021. Defence expert Prof Michael Clarke noted that these problems have not been fully resolved, raising concerns about the vehicles' battlefield readiness.
What this might mean
The ongoing challenges with the Ajax programme highlight broader issues within the UK's defence procurement processes. If the current investigation identifies significant flaws, it could lead to further delays and increased scrutiny of the MoD's handling of the project. Politically, the situation may prompt calls for greater transparency and accountability in defence spending. Experts suggest that resolving the technical issues is crucial for maintaining the credibility of the UK's armoured capabilities, especially as the military seeks to modernize in response to evolving global threats.
