The British Army has suspended use of its new Ajax armoured vehicles after dozens of soldiers reported severe physical symptoms, including vomiting, shaking, and balance problems, during recent exercises.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the pause on Tuesday after around 31 troops from the Household Cavalry and Royal Lancers suffered adverse effects during an operation on Salisbury Plain over the weekend. Some soldiers were reportedly shaking so violently they struggled to control their bodies.
The £10 million-per-unit vehicles, part of a troubled £6.3 billion programme, have faced long-running concerns over excessive noise and vibration. Similar issues were recorded during earlier trials, with past complaints ranging from tinnitus and headaches to long-term hearing damage. In 2021, more than 300 personnel required hearing assessments after testing the fleet.
Two soldiers have already been medically downgraded, while three others are reportedly set to be discharged following previous incidents.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard had recently declared Ajax safe for frontline use and insisted its long-running problems were “firmly in the past.” Earlier this month, he toured the General Dynamics facility in Wales where the vehicles are built.
But following the latest incident, dubbed Operation Iron Fist, all training involving Ajax has been halted for at least two weeks while safety investigations take place. The MoD said a small number of affected personnel are still receiving medical care.
More than 165 vehicles have been delivered so far, though full operational capability is not expected until 2028, more than a decade behind schedule. Ajax, intended to replace the ageing CVR(T) fleet, is billed as the most advanced armoured reconnaissance vehicle ever fielded by the UK.
In a statement, the MoD said: “The safety of our personnel is our top priority… This pause underlines our absolute commitment to the safety of our soldiers.”
