UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”
An Ajax conducting cold weather firing trials in Sweden. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Investigations into safety concerns over the British Army’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicle have given it the all-clear “when maintained and operated as designed”, according to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), although design improvements are ongoing.
Ajax was declared to have achieved Initial Operating Capability in early November last year but days later operations were suspended after users reported health concerns while operating the vehicle during Exercise Titan Storm.
Lt Gen Anna-Lee Reilly, director strategic capability, engagement and operations at MoD Defence Equipment and Support, was speaking before the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on 23 March and addressed
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
Tulpar firing trials expand Hitfact Mk II platform options
Firing trials of the Tulpar and Leonardo Hitfact Mk II combination follow an integration programme covering mechanical, electrical, electronic and software interfaces.
-
How to breach a minefield: from traditional systems to modern techniques in action
The news from Ukraine has again shown that antitank minefields and other obstacles on the battlefield, such as deep trenches, can play a key role in both offensive and defensive operations. Given this, there will always be a need to clear them, both during and after a conflict.
-
British Army's open plan draws diverse offerings for Land Rover replacement
The UK Ministry of Defence has avoided being prescriptive in its search to replace the British Army’s Land Rover, meaning vehicle types being offered range from Land Rover Defender Wolf II and Humvee to the hybrid series Fering Pioneer. What does this mean for the procurement process?