UK Army restarts training on Ajax combat vehicles after solving technical issues.

The British Army has resumed training on its Ajax vehicles after a period of uncertainty caused by technical issues. This marks an important step in individual and crew training on these tracked vehicles.
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Unveiling of the Ajax family of vehicles at DVD 2018 in Millbrook by General Dynamics Land Systems (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The training is taking place in Bovington and Bulford, focusing on the initial production standard of the vehicles known as Capability Drop 1. It aims to familiarize troops with operating the armored vehicles and utilizing their integrated systems. Additionally, the training will allow the crew to gain proficiency and experience before the delivery of the fully deployable Capability Drop 3 vehicles.

To date, 44 vehicles of Capability Drop 1 have been supplied to the British Army, while the production of Capability Drop 3 vehicles is ongoing in South Wales. These vehicles, totaling 589 in number, will provide the Army with enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including cutting-edge sensors, an improved cannon, modular armor, and enhanced cross-country range and mobility. They will enable the Army to operate in all weather conditions, 24 hours a day.

James Cartlidge, the Minister for Defence Procurement, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in the Ajax Program, emphasizing the significant capabilities it will bring to the British forces. Recently, Cartlidge visited Bovington Camp, where soldiers were undergoing training on the Ajax vehicles. He also met soldiers participating in the Reliability Growth Trials, which resumed earlier in the year, and instructors who were about to commence Army training.

During the Reliability Growth Trials, various Ajax variants, including Apollo, Atlas, and Ares, have covered more than 6,600 kilometers across different terrains, performing battlefield tasks such as operating at different speeds, engaging in weapon systems firing, utilizing vehicle systems and communications, as well as conducting specialized tasks like vehicle recoveries and repairs using the integrated crane.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the resumption of payments to General Dynamics for the program's delivery earlier this year. A firm contract price remains in place for the delivery of the 589 vehicles, ensuring that General Dynamics is motivated to achieve the agreed outcomes. Consequently, the program is still within its original budget and the MoD has worked closely with General Dynamics in a collaborative and constructive manner to accomplish this.

The Ajax family of vehicles ordered by the British Army

* 245 turreted 'Ajax' variants
   * 198 Reconnaissance and Strike (Ajax)
   * 23 Joint Fire Control (Ajax)
   * 24 Ground-Based Surveillance (Ajax)

* 256 Protected Mobility Recce Support (PMRS) variants
   * 93 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) (Ares)
   * 112 Command and Control (Athena)
   * 34 Formation Reconnaissance Overwatch (Ares)
   * 51 Engineer Reconnaissance (Argus)

* 88 Engineering variants for REME based on the PMRS
   * 38 armoured recovery vehicles (Atlas) with a 3-man crew
   * 50 Repair vehicles (Apollo) with four man crew

Defense News June 2023