Update on AJAX

Interesting update on the Ajax programme. I am still not sure what major changes have occurred in the development stage to iron out problems like the reversing issue, the crew issues with noise and vibration causing severe sickness and what has been sacrificed (if anything ) to put these right.

The below is from the open source online Gov web network.

Army resumes training on Ajax

Units of the British Field Army have restarted training on the Ajax vehicles this week, highlighting continued progress in the programme.

From:
Ministry of Defence
Published
15 June 2023

  • Field Army have resumed training on the Ajax vehicles
  • Marks next positive step in progress on the Ajax programme
  • Ajax vehicles have driven more than 6,600km on trials so far

Units of the British Field Army have restarted training on the Ajax vehicles this week, highlighting continued progress in the programme.

Focused on individual and crew training, this step will mark the restarting of British Army training on the sophisticated vehicles. Conducted in Bovington and Bulford on the initial production standard of Ajax vehicles – Capability Drop 1 - this training will enable troops to learn how to operate the armoured vehicles and use the systems integrated into them.

The training will also enable the crew to develop skills and experience with the vehicles before delivery of the later Capability Drop 3 vehicles, which will be fully deployable.

44 vehicles at Capability Drop 1 have been delivered to the British Army, while a busy production line in South Wales manufactures the Capability Drop 3 vehicles that will provide the British Army with a battle-winning edge.

Delivering a step-change in the surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Army, with its suite of cutting-edge sensors, enhanced 40mm cannon, modular armour, and improved cross-country range and mobility, the programme will deliver 6 variants, totalling 589 vehicles that will allow the Army to operate in all weathers, 24 hours a day.

Boosting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, the main Ajax contracts supports a UK-wide supply chain of more than 230 UK-based companies and more than 4,000 jobs throughout the UK, including a large number in South Wales.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, said:

This is a significant moment for the British Army, marking a huge step forward for the Ajax Programme. The Ajax vehicles will provide a breakthrough in capability and I’m pleased to see such positive progress towards delivering a suite of battle-ready vehicles for our forces.

Visiting Bovington Camp in the south west of England – where soldiers are currently training on the Ajax vehicles - Defence Minister James Cartlidge recently met with soldiers taking part in the Reliability Growth Trials that resumed earlier this year and instructors who were about to start training the Army.

Through Reliability Growth Trials, AJAX, APOLLO, ATLAS and ARES variants have driven more than 6,600 kilometres through different terrains, completing a variety of representative battlefield tasks such as operating across a range of speeds, firing weapon systems, using the vehicles systems and communications and completing specialist tasks such as vehicle recoveries and repairs using the integrated crane.

Earlier this year, the MOD also confirmed the resumption of payments to General Dynamics for the delivery of the programme. A robust firm price contract remains for the delivery of the 589 vehicles, which will ensure that General Dynamics are incentivised to deliver against agreed outcomes.

As such, the whole programme remains within its originally approved budget level and the Department has worked collaboratively and constructively with General Dynamics to achieve this.

Lets see what happens …

2 Likes

Great news. Very pleased to see it and if i may say, much needed.

1 Like

And potentially a few new kits …

3 Likes

I don’t think anyone’s made one or the ASCOD it was based off yet have they?

Reckon HB or RFM will be first.

1 Like

Dont think so, so yeah, untapped areas to exploit … for our benefit fingers crossed !! HB or Gecko do seem to be the lead lights in UK based platforms so hopefully one of them…

1 Like

Coincidentally, the Daily Telegraph yesterday, published an article about the procurement debacle, which makes for sobering reading:

MoD’s flagship fighting vehicle project wrecked by infighting (msn.com)

3 Likes

I’d be watching Takom for one of these…

1 Like

Theres definitely some high end manufacturers it could come from thats for sure …

1 Like

There’s a couple of resin ones:

VCI Pizarro | APC/IFV’s - Vehicles (scalemates.com)

1 Like

There are a couple of articles and videos of the Ajax on Forces News for anyone who is interested.
https://www.forces.net/news

1 Like