has asked the army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising for two weeks, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events this weekend.” This precautionary measure underscores the military’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel.
According to the spokesperson, “no systemic issues were found” during an internal review conducted in 2021. However, this latest incident has raised concerns about the ongoing safety and performance of the Ajax vehicle.
Previous Issues and Ongoing Scrutiny
The health and safety report revealed that potential hearing damage had been known to senior soldiers and MoD officials as early as December 2018. Despite this, trials were not suspended until November 2020, leading to further scrutiny of the equipment’s safety protocols.
As of 2021, more than 300 soldiers had been offered hearing tests, with 17 still under specialist care by December 2021. The MoD acknowledged that these issues have persisted and highlighted the need for continued testing to address any problems effectively.
Future Implications and Deployment Plans
The Ajax is expected to be deployed in various capacities, including support missions in Ukraine if needed. With a total of 589 models ordered by the army, which are set to arrive by 2030, this pause in usage could impact future training schedules and operational plans.
While the pause aims to resolve any immediate concerns, it also serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough safety checks before deploying cutting-edge military equipment. The British Army’s commitment to addressing these issues will be closely watched by both officials and the public alike.
