Kathrine Frich
What was meant to be the British Army’s next-generation armored fleet has instead become a health hazard for its soldiers.
Persistent problems with the Ajax program, first revealed years ago, continue to cause injuries and hospitalizations among troops, according to Defense Eye.
Health risks resurface
The latest concerns center on the Ares armored personnel carriers, part of the Ajax family of tracked vehicles.
After routine training exercises, several British soldiers reportedly suffered tinnitus, chronic headaches, and balance disorders, forcing some into hospital care.
Investigators attribute these symptoms to extreme vibration and excessive noise levels inside the vehicles.
Similar issues were identified during early testing in 2021, when the program was temporarily halted due to safety concerns.
Despite promises of fixes, the same health effects have now reappeared.
Failed fixes
Efforts to mitigate the risks included distributing protective earmuffs and installing specialized seat cushions to reduce vibration.
However, these measures appear insufficient. Sources cited by Defense Eye said new restrictions on the vehicles’ use may now be necessary to protect personnel.
The repeated setbacks have disrupted operational readiness at a time when the British Army faces growing financial strain.
Critics say the project’s delays and cost overruns are eroding trust in the Ministry of Defence’s procurement system.
A troubled project
The Ajax program, launched 15 years ago to replace the aging Warrior vehicles, has been dogged by controversy from the start.
Built by General Dynamics European Land Systems and based on the ASCOD platform, Ajax was chosen over the CV90 model proposed by Britain’s own BAE Systems, a decision that has faced sharp criticism.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was among those who questioned the selection process, warning that the imported design could lead to long-term problems.
Those fears appear increasingly justified as technical faults persist and delivery deadlines slip further.
Uncertain future
The project’s completion remains in doubt. Beyond its technical flaws, the program now threatens to undermine the British Army’s combat readiness.
Analysts suggest that without urgent reform and renewed oversight the Ajax could go down as one of the most costly and damaging procurement failures in recent UK military history.
This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, who may have used AI in the preparation
