The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided updates on the Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme in response to Parliamentary inquiries from Danny Kruger, MP for East Wiltshire.
The questions focused on the timeline for achieving Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the vehicles and the progress of ongoing trials.
Luke Pollard, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence, highlighted that while trials continue, achieving full operational capability remains several years away.
In his response, Pollard stated: “The Armoured Fighting Vehicle AJAX Programme trials continue to progress and remain ongoing. Reliability Growth Trials (RGT) are ongoing and on schedule to complete by December 2026. Regarding the Armoured Vehicle Programme (AJAX) Initial Operating Capability, I refer the hon. Member to the answer that the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry gave to Question 438 dated 22 July 2024, which remains extant.”
The ongoing trials aim to address technical challenges that have previously delayed the programme, with reliability testing playing a critical role in determining the vehicle’s readiness.
The Ajax programme, initially ordered in 2014, has faced multiple setbacks and technical issues. The vehicles were originally expected to be delivered by 2017, with the British Army aiming to equip its first squadron by mid-2019.
However, problems with noise, vibration, and other design flaws halted trials in November 2020. This led to significant delays, including the suspension of payments to General Dynamics Land Systems UK, the programme’s manufacturer. Testing resumed in late 2022, and MOD officials have expressed optimism about the programme’s progress, despite continued scrutiny.
Despite these challenges, the MOD has resumed payments to General Dynamics and remains committed to the Ajax vehicles, viewing them as a critical component of the British Army’s modernisation efforts. In early 2023, then Defence Secretary Ben Wallace noted that the project had “turned a corner” and described it as “back on track.”
However, the programme’s future depends on the successful completion of the ongoing trials, with a focus on ensuring that the vehicles meet safety and performance standards before full deployment.
Answer to question 438 dated 22 July 2024
The Armoured Cavalry Programme (Ajax) is due to achieve Initial Operating Capability by December 2025 as planned.
Initial Operating Capability has been described as 1 squadron.
Absolutely atrocious! FOC 2030 allegedly but no one will discuss how many concessions are required to reach IOC. No MORPHEUS either which is another nearly £800,000,000 of tax co payers money GD have stolen for zero deliverables. Have DE&S no clawback or consequential protection whatsoever?
Remember though, the grass is always greener on the other side. Why contract indigenous Vickers Defence Systems (OK screwed by BAES takeover) when you can contract Lockheed Martin for Warrior CSP and General Dynamics for Scout SV (AJAK)