The Ajax Programme has turned a corner and is progressing towards
the delivery of a new generation of armoured fighting vehicles
that meets the Army’s needs, against a revised delivery schedule
that sets realistic and achievable milestones.
The MOD continues to work closely with General Dynamics to
deliver the 589 vehicles, of which there are six variants, all
based upon a common base platform.
Reliability and Growth Trials (RGT) are well underway. AJAX,
APOLLO, ATLAS and ARES variants have now driven more than 20,000
kilometres through different terrains, completing a variety of
representative battlefield missions. RGT allows significantly
more activity to be completed compared to regular unit training.
Since June, units of the Field Army have been training on the
current Ajax variant (Capability Drop 1), focusing on individual
and crew training. This training is enabling troops to learn how
to operate the armoured vehicles and use the systems integrated
into them. The training will also enable the crew to develop
skills, experience and competence ahead of the delivery of the
Capability Drop 3 vehicles, the upgraded fully deployable
variant.
Capability Drop 3 vehicle production continues at Merthyr Tydfil
with all production lines operating and all six variants in
progress, with delivery to the Field army starting in 2024.
Senior Responsible Owner for the Armoured Cavalry
Programme, Chris Bowbrick said:
I’m thrilled with the progress made across the programme over the
last six months. We must maintain momentum to deliver this new
generation of armoured fighting vehicles for the British Army.
The New Year starts with Ajax Live Crew Clearance Cold Climate
Trials taking place in Sweden. This is the first time Ajax will
be firing with Field Army Crews outside of the UK, a significant
milestone for the programme.
