The British Army has hit the brakes on its new Ajax armoured fighting vehicles after around 30 soldiers suffered vibration and hearing problems during a gruelling training exercise. The exercise was “immediately stopped” once symptoms emerged, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson confirmed.
Household Cavalry and Royal Lancers Hit Hard
Troops from the Household Cavalry and Royal Lancers spent 10 to 15 hours inside the Ajax vehicles, which triggered health issues. Reports reveal two soldiers were so badly affected that they were medically downgraded and banned from overseas duty, according to The Times.
MoD Orders Cautious Two-Week Halt Amid Safety Review
Defence Readiness Minister Luke Pollard called for a two-week pause “out of an abundance of caution.” Most soldiers impacted have been medically cleared, though a few remain under specialist care. Limited testing will continue to pinpoint and fix any technical faults.
Ajax: Expensive Beast with Ongoing Noise and Vibration Woes
Each Ajax costs nearly £10million and tips the scales at over 40 tonnes. Noise and vibration problems have dogged the vehicle during trials. The Army plans to buy 589 Ajax vehicles, aiming for full delivery by 2030.
