London, November 28, 2025
The British Army has suspended all use of its Ajax armoured vehicles following the illness of 31 soldiers during an exercise on Salisbury Plain, citing noise- and vibration-related injuries as the cause. The suspension was issued in November 2025 and comes as the Ministry of Defence launches a comprehensive safety investigation.
Suspension and Immediate Impact
The decision to halt Ajax vehicle operations came after soldiers participating in Exercise Iron Fist experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and uncontrollable shaking. Affected personnel had spent between 10 to 15 hours inside the vehicles when the complications arose. The Ministry of Defence issued an Electronic Safety Notice mandating the grounding of the entire Ajax fleet for a minimum of two weeks as it investigates the incident further.
Details of the Incident and Investigation
This suspension marks a significant setback for the British Army’s £5.5 billion Ajax programme, which has been plagued by recurring problems, delays, and escalating costs since its inception. The symptoms reported by the soldiers suggest exposure to harmful noise levels and vibrations within the vehicles, raising concerns about crew safety and operational readiness. The Ministry of Defence has emphasized the priority of service personnel safety and has stated that no platform will achieve Initial Operating Capability status unless safety standards are fully met.
Programme Background and Future Plans
The Ajax programme, designed to deliver 589 armoured vehicles and variants by 2030, remains central to the British Army’s modernization efforts. Despite the current issues, the platform is expected to serve for several decades, highlighting the importance of resolving these safety concerns promptly. The suspension underscores long-standing challenges faced by the programme and the need for rigorous testing and evaluation before the vehicles are fully operational.
The Ministry of Defence’s commitment to safety suggests a cautious approach moving forward, potentially affecting deployment schedules but ultimately aiming to ensure that the Ajax vehicles meet the necessary standards to protect their users. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the complexities involved in introducing advanced military technologies into active service.