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British Army’s New Ajax Reconnaissance Vehicle Integrates Thermal Sleeves on CT40 Cannons to Enhance Accuracy.
On 27 March 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a new technical development within the Ajax programme aimed at equipping the British Army with a new generation of tracked reconnaissance vehicles. As part of a rapid acquisition process completed in just nine months, thermal sleeves developed by Nexter Systems and CTA International, and subsequently adapted for Ajax by General Dynamics UK (GDUK), have been delivered and will soon be installed on the fleet's CT40 cannons. These components are designed to reduce the thermal effects generated by repeated firing, thereby improving ballistic stability and extending barrel life.
Mounted on the weapon support structure, the sleeves allow the barrel to recoil freely within a static shroud while maintaining the system’s overall structural integrity (Picture source: British MoD)
Mounted on the weapon support structure, the sleeves allow the barrel to recoil freely within a static shroud while maintaining the system’s overall structural integrity. According to Colonel Jamie Hayward, Director of the Armoured Cavalry Programme, this is an off-the-shelf solution specifically designed to account for the static barrel bend of the CT40, a defining feature of the weapon system. The addition of this component is part of an ongoing effort to optimise performance without requiring major system modifications.
This rapid integration highlights the close cooperation between industry and defence institutions. Simon Pearson, Head of the Ajax portfolio at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), welcomed the ability of the teams to complete the delivery in under eight months. He stressed that this achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when industrial partners, support services and the armed forces work together toward a common goal, despite the inherent complexities of military procurement. Scott Milne, Vice President and General Manager of General Dynamics Land Systems UK, noted that this technical enhancement contributes to improving the precision of the CT40 cannon and also helps manage the vehicle’s thermal signature—an important aspect in reconnaissance missions. He added that this upgrade aligns with the objective set by the Chief of the General Staff to double the Army’s firepower by 2027.
The AJAX is a tracked reconnaissance armored vehicle developed by General Dynamics UK under the Scout SV program, aimed at replacing the British Army’s aging CVRT fleet. Armed with a 40mm automatic cannon from CTA International and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, AJAX forms the medium-weight core of the UK’s ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) capability. Its fully digital, stabilized turret integrates advanced targeting systems supplied by Thales UK, including panoramic and thermal sights, an automatic target tracker, and an optional remote weapon station. The platform features an open electronic architecture (MORPHEUS), enabling seamless integration with current and future battlefield systems. Designed for operational versatility, AJAX can identify and engage threats on the move, by day or night, and provide commanders with real-time tactical intelligence.
In terms of protection, the AJAX is fitted with modular armor offering STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic protection against 14.5mm rounds and Level 3 mine protection (8 kg underbelly and track blast resistance). The vehicle includes spall liners, side-mounted fuel tanks for blast mitigation, and add-on armor kits to enhance survivability. It is equipped with a mobile camouflage system, CBRN detection by Smith Detection, and active protection sensors including laser warning receivers, missile warning systems, and an IR jammer from Elbit Systems. Powered by a 600kW MTU diesel engine, the AJAX can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h with a range of 500 km. Its advanced suspension allows it to traverse 60% slopes, 2.5m trenches, and vertical obstacles up to 0.75m, ensuring high battlefield mobility combined with state-of-the-art protection and firepower.
The Ajax programme forms part of a £41 billion investment over ten years to modernise British Army equipment. It foresees the delivery of 589 medium-weight tracked armoured vehicles across six variants: Ajax, Apollo, Ares, Argus, Athena, and Atlas. Built on an open digital architecture with high electrical power and payload capacity, these platforms are designed to evolve. Studies are already underway to assess the integration of active and passive protection systems, airburst munitions, and sensors enhanced with artificial intelligence.
In parallel, vehicle deliveries are continuing. The UK plans to receive more than 180 Ajax vehicles by the end of 2025, all of which will meet the operational standard known as Capability Drop 3—the first deployable configuration before the phased introduction of Capability Drop 4, which will define full operating capability. In 2024, 152 vehicles had already been produced, representing approximately 25% of the planned total. In a written parliamentary response, Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle confirmed that the vehicles delivered this year would be operationally deployable. The program had previously been paused in 2021 following reports of medical issues among crews exposed to excessive noise and vibration during trials. Testing resumed thereafter, including hot weather trials conducted in 2024, and the first Athena command post vehicle in the Drop 3 configuration was received in the autumn of the same year.
Ajax vehicles will be integrated into the British Army’s future Brigade Combat Team (BCT) formations, modelled on a structure inspired by the U.S. Army. Within these units, Ajax will complement Challenger 2 and Challenger 3 main battle tanks by providing reconnaissance, command, engineering, recovery, and armoured transport capabilities. In parallel, the programme contributes significantly to the UK defence industrial base, supporting or creating around 4,100 jobs across more than 230 companies located in the UK. These industrial benefits could increase further through potential export opportunities, strengthening both national defence industry strategy and international defence partnerships.
The introduction of thermal sleeves on Ajax’s CT40 cannons illustrates the programme’s ability to rapidly integrate targeted technical improvements while maintaining a steady delivery schedule. With a focus on technological modularity, industrial cooperation, and growing operational capability, the Ajax programme continues to establish itself as a key element in the transformation of the British Army’s ground forces.