The troubled Ajax armoured vehicle programme is now expected to reach full operational capability by the end of 2029, according to Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard, though multiple safety investigations and a ministerial review remain ongoing.
Mr Pollard provided the update in response to a parliamentary question from Shadow Defence Secretary Mark Francois, who had asked Defence Secretary John Healey for the latest projected date for Ajax achieving Full Operating Capability (FOC).
Answering on Mr Healey’s behalf, Mr Pollard said:
“Safety investigations and a ministerial review into the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) remain ongoing. However, on current plans, Full Operating Capability for the Armoured Cavalry Programme is still expected to be achieved by the end of 2029.”
Programme under scrutiny
The Armoured Cavalry Programme, widely referred to as Ajax, has faced sustained scrutiny following a series of safety concerns and technical difficulties.
Ajax comprises a family of six armoured vehicle variants designed to perform roles ranging from reconnaissance to repair and recovery. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) holds a £5.522 billion contract with General Dynamics Land Systems UK for the design, manufacture and initial in-service support of 589 vehicles.
However, the programme has experienced repeated delays. The original planning assumption was that the vehicles would enter service in 2017. An Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date was subsequently set for July 2020, later revised to June 2021.
Mr Pollard declared IOC for the programme last September, but concerns over excessive noise and vibration levels persisted.
More than 30 soldiers have reportedly become ill after operating the vehicle, with issues linked to noise and vibration exposure. Previously released videos showed a range of faults, including loose panels, water pooling inside the vehicle, and a rear door closing on a mannequin during testing.
The National Audit Office has warned that delivering the Ajax programme would pose a significant challenge for the MOD. In 2022, it stated: “It is not yet clear whether the programme’s issues are resolvable.”
Use paused following incident
Following an incident on Salisbury Plain in November 2025, in which soldiers fell ill while using the vehicle during an exercise, Mr Pollard ordered a pause on Ajax training and exercises.
At the time, he said:
“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.”
He added that the Defence Accident Investigation Board and the Army Safety Investigation Team are working with General Dynamics to conduct an investigation into the incident, and that further updates will be provided once inquiries are complete.
Future uncertain
Ajax remains the subject of several strands of review: investigations into the incidents in which personnel were injured, a wider review of safety issues across the fleet, and a ministerial review examining how the Armoured Cavalry Programme has been managed.
While the Government maintains that full operational capability is achievable by 2029 under current plans, the vehicle’s long-term future in British Army service remains uncertain pending the outcome of those investigations.
