What’s the Timeline for Ajax After Soldiers Report Vomiting?

The troubled Ajax armoured vehicles programme, which has faced significant delays and health concerns, is currently under investigation, but Defence Secretary John Healey has not provided a definitive timeline for when these investigations will conclude. Testing was paused following reports of service personnel experiencing illness after training exercises, prompting the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to act cautiously. The future of the £6.3 billion programme, including its impact on jobs in Wales, remains uncertain as stakeholders await the findings of the ongoing investigations.

Last updated: 9 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Ajax armoured vehicles programme is currently in a state of limbo as the MoD has paused testing due to health concerns reported by personnel. The investigations stem from incidents where soldiers reportedly experienced severe reactions, such as vomiting and shaking, after operating the vehicles during training exercises. This situation has led to widespread uncertainty, particularly for the workforce at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, which manufactures the vehicles. Healey's recent comments underscore the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of military personnel, but he could not specify when the investigations would be completed.

Key takeaways

The MoD has paused testing of the Ajax vehicles following reports of illness among soldiers.
Defence Secretary John Healey has not provided a timeline for the investigations.
The £6.3 billion programme has faced multiple delays since its inception.
General Dynamics has voiced confidence in the safety and performance of the Ajax vehicles.
A £50 million investment in Wales' defence sector was announced alongside the ongoing investigations.

Timeline: how we got here

The Ajax programme has experienced a troubled history filled with delays and concerns. Key milestones include:

2010: The Ajax programme is initiated, with the aim of modernising the UK’s armoured vehicle fleet.
2017: The vehicles were originally slated to enter service.
November 2022: The MoD announces that Ajax vehicles are ready for deployment.
December 2022: Health concerns arise following training exercises, leading to an investigation by the MoD.
October 2023: Defence Secretary John Healey visits Cardiff, reaffirming commitment to resolving the issues but without a definitive timeline for conclusions.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Defence Secretary Healey's recent visit to Cardiff included discussions about the £50 million investment in Wales' defence sector. This investment aims to establish Wales as a launchpad for drones and facilitate Welsh businesses' access to defence contracts. However, the focus remains on the unresolved issues surrounding the Ajax vehicles and the ongoing investigations into personnel health concerns.

What was already established

The Ajax programme, which has been plagued by delays, was originally intended to roll out in 2017 with a total of 589 vehicles ordered. The MoD's decision to pause testing highlights the seriousness of the health concerns raised by service personnel. General Dynamics has consistently stated its confidence in the Ajax vehicles, claiming they are the most tested combat vehicles it has ever produced.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The impact of the Ajax programme's issues extends beyond military personnel, affecting local communities in Wales where General Dynamics operates. The uncertainty surrounding the programme could impact jobs and economic stability in the region, especially given the company's significant employment footprint of around 700 people in Merthyr Tydfil.

Businesses and jobs

General Dynamics' ongoing challenges with the Ajax vehicles have raised concerns among MPs and local leaders about job security in south Wales. The recent investment announcement is intended to bolster the defence sector, but the future of the Ajax programme will ultimately dictate job stability in the area. As the investigations continue, businesses that rely on defence contracts may also experience uncertainty.

Policy and regulation

The MoD's handling of the Ajax programme will likely lead to increased scrutiny from both parliament and the public. Healey's commitment to transparency in updating parliament on investigation progress indicates that the government is aware of the potential ramifications of the situation. Future policy decisions could centre around the efficacy and safety of military equipment, alongside the economic implications for manufacturing regions like Wales.

Numbers that matter

£6.3 billion: The total estimated cost of the Ajax programme.
589: The number of Ajax vehicles originally ordered by the UK government.
700: The approximate number of employees at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil.
35: The number of service personnel who reported illness during training exercises.
£50 million: The amount invested by the UK government in Wales' defence sector as part of revitalisation efforts.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ajax: A family of armoured fighting vehicles designed to enhance the capabilities of the British Army.
MoD: Ministry of Defence, the government department responsible for the United Kingdom's armed forces.
General Dynamics: An American aerospace and defence corporation that manufactures the Ajax vehicles in Wales.
Nato: North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of which the UK is a member.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, stakeholders should closely monitor updates from the MoD regarding the investigation's progress. Any announcements concerning the health and safety protocols for Ajax vehicles will be critical for assessing the situation.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the investigations unfold, there may be implications for production timelines and the overall viability of the Ajax programme. The government may need to make decisions regarding whether to continue support, make adjustments, or potentially scrap the project altogether.

Signals to watch

Updates from the MoD regarding investigation findings.
Parliamentary discussions on the future of the Ajax programme.
Local employment trends in Merthyr Tydfil and surrounding regions.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the MoD's announcements and the status of the Ajax investigations.
Engage with local representatives to voice concerns regarding employment and community impacts.
Monitor the broader implications of defence investments in Wales for local economies.

Don’t

Assume that the current situation will not change; ongoing investigations may lead to significant developments.
Neglect the importance of keeping abreast of updates, especially if you are directly affected by the programme.
Overlook the potential for wider economic impacts beyond just the immediate workforce.

Checklist

Check for updates from the MoD on the status of the Ajax programme.
Attend local council meetings to discuss the implications of the programme on jobs.
Review any available resources on the defence sector's future in Wales.
Identify local businesses that may be affected by the Ajax programme and engage with them.
Stay updated on parliamentary discussions that may influence defence policy.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the Ajax investigations continue, various uncertainties remain. Potential risks include further health concerns among personnel, which could lead to prolonged scrutiny of the programme. Additionally, there is the possibility that the findings may necessitate substantial changes to the vehicle design or operational protocols, which would further delay the deployment timeline. Stakeholders should remain cautious about jumping to conclusions until the MoD provides a detailed report on the investigation's findings.

Bottom line

The Ajax armoured vehicles programme faces significant challenges, with ongoing investigations casting doubt on its future. The MoD's commitment to ensuring personnel safety and the recent investment in Wales’ defence sector highlight the importance of resolving these issues. As developments unfold, both the military and the local economy in Wales will be watching closely to see how this situation progresses.

FAQs

What is the Ajax vehicles programme?

The Ajax vehicles programme is a UK initiative to modernise the army's armoured vehicle fleet, involving the development and deployment of advanced armoured vehicles designed for various military applications.

Why were Ajax tests paused?

Testing of Ajax vehicles was paused after reports of service personnel experiencing health issues, such as vomiting and shaking, following training exercises, prompting an investigation by the MoD.

What is the timeline for the Ajax programme's completion?

As of now, Defence Secretary John Healey has not provided a specific timeline for when the investigations into the Ajax programme will conclude, indicating that the MoD is focused on thoroughness over speed.