The British Army has temporarily halted training with its latest Ajax armored fighting vehicle after around 30 soldiers fell ill during exercises due to excessive noise and vibration.
Some troops were reported to have vomited, shaken uncontrollably, or experienced hearing issues after operating the vehicles during a military exercise at Salisbury Plain.
The Ministry of Defence wrote that the pause will last two weeks as a safety investigation is conducted, while a small number of personnel continue to receive medical care.
“There have not been any hospitalisations and none of the symptoms are life threatening,” the ministry added, with further updates to be given once the investigation has been completed.
The Ajax Program
The incident comes just weeks after the program reached initial operating capability in early November, following an eight-year delay.
The Ajax is designed for forward reconnaissance and features a 40mm cased, telescoped cannon, 7.62mm chain gun, Javelin anti-tank system, modular armor, and advanced 360-degree situational awareness sensors.
It marks the British Army’s first new armored vehicle in nearly three decades.
Manufacturer General Dynamics UK is set to deliver 589 vehicles in six variants for the British Army. It rolled out the 100th Ajax in April.
However, Ajax has long been plagued by vibration and noise issues, with reports as early as 2010.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard ordered the immediate suspension “out of an abundance of caution,” despite previously stating that Ajax had “left its troubles behind.”
Meanwhile, experts warn that unresolved problems could limit operational use.
Prof. Michael Clarke, a defense analyst and former RUSI director-general, explained to Sky News: “You can’t introduce something into the battlefield if 10 percent of your crew are going to get ill after two or three hours inside the vehicle … They have to succeed because there is no other vehicle available after all the years.”
Meanwhile, London confirmed that limited testing will continue to identify and resolve remaining issues.
