I am releasing this statement to the House today to provide an update to Parliament on the British Army’s armoured cavalry programme, commonly known as Ajax. The programme has now reached initial operating capability. However, a recent training exercise has raised concerns regarding the safety of the vehicles.
As safety is my top priority, prior to IOC I asked for and was given assurances in writing by senior Ministry of Defence personnel that the system was safe.
On 22 November 2025, around 30 service personnel operating Ajax reported noise and vibration symptoms during a training exercise. The exercise was stopped immediately in line with our safety protocols, and those affected received full medical care and attention and continue to be monitored. There have not been any hospitalisations and none of the symptoms is life-threatening.
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.
The Defence Accident Investigation Branch and the Army Safety Investigation Team are working with General Dynamics at pace to conduct an investigation into the incident.
The Ministry of Defence will provide further updates in due course, upon completion of the investigation.
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