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 for 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 be reported 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 under way—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 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 with 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 General Dynamics last week and I continue to have regular meetings with the Chief of the General Staff, with the Army and with 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.
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