The Army Safety Investigation Team (ASIT) disclosed that trials of the Ajax family of armoured vehicles were halted in November 2024 after approximately 30 soldiers reported feeling unwell during Exercise Titan Storm at the Combined Arms Training Centre in Hampshire. The ASIT's probe concluded that there was no single causal mechanism; instead, a combination of technical, environmental, human, and air quality factors contributed to the symptoms. Technical issues included incorrect track tension and loose or missing engine deck bolts, while environmental factors such as cold exposure and human factors like variability in training were also identified. Air quality inside the vehicles was examined as part of the broad review. Defence Minister Luke Pollard subsequently authorised a cautious resumption of trials, to be conducted under a 'crawl-walk-run' staged progression. This approach means that vehicles will initially be operated at low speeds and under tightly controlled conditions, with activities expanding only after each phase is successfully reviewed.
Pollard acknowledged in a ministerial statement that the experience for soldiers operating Ajax has not been good enough, but stressed that all affected personnel have since returned to their normal duties and are being monitored. When questioned by MPs in February 2025, he declined to give a timetable for the conclusion of the Army's safety investigation, saying only that work was ongoing and no date had been set. This lack of a clear deadline has prompted concern among some lawmakers, who are pushing for greater transparency.
The ASIT’s findings indicate no single causal mechanism of the symptoms reported by our soldiers but rather a combination of multiple factors. Instead, these symptoms were likely the result of… technical issues related to the platform conditions at the time of the exercise – such as incorrect track tension and loose or missing engine deck bolts – alongside environmental and human factors, including variability in training and experience, cold exposure and air quality within the Ajax vehicle itself.
According to the Ministry of Defence, a group of 23 vehicles that were crewed by the soldiers who reported illness are being held back from the resumed trials. According to the Defence Ministry, in the longer term, the second phase of Ajax delivery is set to incorporate enhanced air filtration systems, improved crew compartment heating, and upgraded electrical power generation. Officials said these modifications are designed to directly address the environmental and air quality factors flagged during the investigation.
General Dynamics UK, the manufacturer of the Ajax family, welcomed the government's decision to cautiously resume trials and reiterated that the safety of personnel remains its overriding priority. The Ajax vehicles are built at GD's facility in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, which sustains roughly 700 skilled manufacturing jobs.
All personnel have returned to normal duties following Exercise Titan Storm. The majority of soldiers who felt ill during this exercise suffered from temporary symptoms and with the ASIT report concluding that there was no single causal factor, I have now agreed to restart the acceptance of vehicles from General Dynamics.
However, I accept that the experience for our soldiers using Ajax has not been good enough and that is not acceptable. I have implemented strict new controls on the reintroduction of the Ajax vehicles that are focused on providing a significantly improved user experience.
Any return to training will be controlled with a crawl-walk-run staged progression ensuring safety is paramount throughout.
While we are proceeding cautiously with Ajax, we know we have more to do to rebuild confidence in the vehicle, and we do not underestimate the work still ahead.