Defence Minister (): I am updating Parliament
before Christmas recess on the British Army's Armoured Cavalry
Programme, known as Ajax. The safety of our Service Personnel
remains a top priority for me and the Ministry of Defence.
On 26 November 2025, after around 30 Service Personnel operating
Ajax reported noise and vibration symptoms during a training
exercise, I confirmed to the House that I had directed a pause of
the use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety
investigation is carried out. This safety investigation is
ongoing. Service Personnel who reported noise and vibration
symptoms during Exercise TITAN STORM were operating across 23
vehicles. All these vehicles have now undergone a 45-point
inspection. 13 of the vehicles have undergone further inspections
specifically relating to the potential cause of noise and
vibration and the remaining 10 vehicles will undergo these tests.
The outcome of these inspections will report to Ministers in the
New Year.
In the House on 8 December 2025, I confirmed that in addition to
the Army's safety investigation, a Defence Accident Investigation
Branch investigation is also underway – this also remains
ongoing. I also confirmed that I had directed a Ministerial
review be carried out. I expect the outcomes of this review very
shortly.
On 8 December, I set out my intention to bring together an
independent group of experts to add expertise and external
challenge to our work, and we are making progress on this.
The pause on use of Ajax for training and exercising was
implemented immediately. Reliability Growth Trials (RGT) have
continued at Bovington training area to provide data to inform
the ongoing investigations. During the trials on 12 December
2025, one soldier reported vibration symptoms. The individual did
not require hospitalisation and is being provided the appropriate
medical support. The vehicle involved was not one of the 23
vehicles whose personnel reported issues during Exercise TITAN
STORM, but was instead part of the RGT to establish a safety
baseline for comparison. The vehicle was immediately removed from
the trials and will undergo a thorough investigation.
This additional report of an 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 trials. This
is in addition to the ongoing pause for training and exercising.
The pause to the trials will allow time for the individual's
symptoms to be investigated and for the vehicle to be thoroughly
inspected. In the New Year, I will assess if trials can be
restarted.
The investigation teams are conducting their work thoroughly and
at pace and they must be given the time and space required to
ensure that all information and evidence is considered. Findings
from the investigations into Ajax will be closely aligned to
decisions in the Defence Investment Plan.
I met with General Dynamics last week and I continue to have
regular meetings with the Chief of the General Staff, the Army
and officials.
As I told Parliament last week, it is unacceptable for the safety
of our personnel to be at risk. I will provide further updates to
the House in due course.
