Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (): I am releasing this
statement to the House today to provide an update to Parliament
on the British Army's Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known
as Ajax). The programme has now reached Initial Operating
Capability (IOC), however, a recent training exercise has raised
concerns regarding the safety of the vehicles.
As safety is my top priority, prior to IOC I asked for and was
given assurances in writing by senior Ministry of Defence (MOD)
personnel that the system was safe.
On 22 November 2025, around 30 Service personnel operating Ajax
reported noise and vibration symptoms during a training exercise.
The exercise was stopped immediately in line with our safety
protocols and those affected received full medical care and
attention, and continue to be monitored. There have not been any
hospitalisations and none of the symptoms are life threatening.
The safety of our Service personnel remains a top priority for
the MOD. As such, and out of an abundance of caution, I have
directed a pause on use of Ajax for training and exercising,
while a safety investigation is carried out.
The rapid escalation of medical concerns, and halting the
exercise immediately, demonstrates both the professionalism of
our people, and an improved safety culture functioning as
designed, with the chain of command acting appropriately and with
the required urgency. It is important to highlight that Ajax is
continually being tested and developed. This approach enables our
soldiers and industry partners to work collaboratively to address
challenges as they are identified.
The Defence Accident Investigation Board and the Army Safety
Investigation Team are working with General Dynamics at pace to
conduct an investigation into the incident.
The Ministry of Defence will provide further updates in due
course, upon completion of the investigation.
