UK government halts Ajax testing after soldier in another vehicle falls ill

The government has halted all testing of Ajax armoured vehicles after another soldier was injured during safety tests.

Three separate investigations are currently being conducted after about 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a training exercise in November.

Twenty-three vehicles used in practice had already been suspended for use due to injuries; the results of their inspections will be published in the new year.

In a written statement to parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the latest report of a soldier becoming ill from vibrations came during additional safety tests aimed at providing more information for the investigation.

The defence minister said the soldier did not require hospitalisation, and the vehicle they were in – which is not one of the 23 already suspended – is undergoing a “thorough investigation”.

He said, “This additional report of injury is a serious concern to me, so out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of our personnel, I have directed a pause on all Ajax testing.”

“This is in addition to ongoing breaks for training and exercise.”

He said he would assess whether testing could be resumed in the new year.

The minister said investigation teams should be “given the necessary time and space to consider all information and evidence” and that he had met with the vehicle’s manufacturer, General Dynamics, last week.

Responding to the announcement, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens told the BBC that the most important thing is to ensure that “the equipment that is being supplied is safe”.

“The government has conducted a review,” he said.

“There are several ongoing reviews addressing the reported problems.

“While these reviews are ongoing, I can’t really comment, but I am very conscious that General Dynamics is a very significant employer in Wales and particularly in the Merthyr Tydfil constituency.

“So we’ll wait and see what happens with the review. But the most important thing is that the device provided is safe to use.”

The multi-million-pound Ajax vehicles,

The multi-million-pound Ajax vehicles, manufactured in Merthyr Tydfil by General Dynamics, were originally scheduled to enter service in 2017, with 589 vehicles delivered.

The £6.3 billion programme has been beset by problems and repeated delays, as noise and vibration have injured soldiers who have tested the vehicles.

tree stump Earlier he said he was “disgusted” that soldiers were injured even though he had been assured that the armoured vehicles were safe.

There are currently three investigations underway, by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, the Army Safety Investigation Team and a ministerial review.

According to the statement, regular meetings have also been held between the minister, the Chief of General Staff, the army and officials.

General Dynamics representatives have also met with backbench MPs in recent days, as the BBC understands.

MPs have previously raised concerns about the program’s uncertainty, which would impact jobs in their constituencies.

Pollard said the findings of the investigation into the Ajax vehicles would impact UK government defence investment planning decisions.

Earlier this week Defence Secretary John Healey said “programmes beset by deep failings such as Ajax” had delayed the publication of the plan, which was due to take place in the autumn.

It was supposed to outline the spending needed to overhaul the armed forces, but it will now be delayed to 2026.