Exclusive: UK Army to Field New Ajax Tracked Combat Vehicles to 3 Reco Regiments and Armored Reco Troops.

According to information published by the British Army Royal Armoured Corps via its official X account on August 2, 2025, the new Ajax tracked reconnaissance armored vehicle will be formally deployed to three frontline Armoured Cavalry Regiments: the Household Cavalry Regiment, the Royal Dragoon Guards, and The Royal Lancers. In addition, Reconnaissance Troops within the British Army’s Armoured Regiments will begin operating the Ajax, marking a significant step in replacing the long-serving CVR(T) light reconnaissance tracked armored vehicle fleet and modernizing the UK's ground reconnaissance capabilities.
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British Army Ajax tracked armored vehicle deployed to armoured cavalry regiments and reconnaissance troops as part of the CVRT light reconnaissance armored vehicles fleet replacement and ground combat modernization. (Picture source: UK Army Royal Armoured Corps)

The new Ajax tracked combat vehicles deployment officially marks the end of the British Army’s reliance on the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), or CVR(T), family, particularly the FV107 Scimitar variant, which has been in continuous service since the 1970s. The CVR(T) played a critical role in numerous operations across the Falklands, the Gulf War, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Despite its agility and ease of transport, the platform is now considered obsolete against evolving battlefield threats. The Ajax vehicle family now takes its place, bringing enhanced firepower, advanced protection, and full-spectrum digital integration into the reconnaissance domain.

The Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR), the most senior regiment of the British Army, is one of the first recipients of the Ajax. While it maintains ceremonial duties through the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, the HCR is a fully operational armoured cavalry unit. Its mission focuses on strategic and tactical reconnaissance, route surveillance, and forward intelligence collection. The transition from CVR(T) Scimitar to Ajax will significantly boost the regiment’s capability to deliver precision intelligence under direct threat, with longer range sensors and greater resilience.

The Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG), stationed in Catterick, are structured as a high-readiness reconnaissance force with global deployment capabilities. The RDG’s operational role includes maneuver support, formation reconnaissance, and threat detection in contested zones. With the integration of Ajax, the regiment gains longer standoff range, digital situational awareness, and the capacity to operate in complex, high-intensity environments. Ajax’s improved mobility and survivability compared to CVR(T) allow RDG patrols to remain in contact with enemy forces longer and report intelligence with increased fidelity.

The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own), operating under the historic motto “Death or Glory,” are a specialist reconnaissance regiment with deep experience in intelligence gathering, terrain analysis, and enemy tracking. Their role is to identify enemy movement, locate critical assets, and provide real-time updates to battle commanders. Ajax will significantly enhance this capability, replacing outdated optics and communication systems with long-range thermal imagers, stabilized panoramic sights, and encrypted battlefield management systems. The Royal Lancers will now be able to operate in more dispersed formations while remaining digitally connected to higher command and allied elements.

Reconnaissance Troops from Armoured Regiments such as the King’s Royal Hussars and the Royal Tank Regiment will also be equipped with Ajax. These troops operate ahead of Challenger 2 tanks and soon-to-be-introduced Challenger 3 main battle tanks. Their role is to clear routes, secure crossings, and provide real-time reconnaissance data to support the maneuver and deployment of heavy armor units. With Ajax, these reconnaissance elements gain a vehicle capable of surviving in contested environments, with firepower and sensor capabilities sufficient to detect and, if necessary, engage enemy armor or dismounted forces before they can threaten main force units.

At the core of this modernization is the new Ajax tracked reconnaissance armored vehicle developed by General Dynamics Land Systems UK. It is the lead platform in a family of six variants designed for battlefield reconnaissance, troop transport, command and control, equipment repair and recovery, and engineering reconnaissance. The Ajax variant itself is a turreted vehicle equipped with the advanced 40mm CT40 cannon co-developed by BAE Systems and Nexter, featuring airburst and armor-piercing ammunition. The platform is designed with a fully digital open architecture that integrates communications, electronic warfare, and targeting systems into a single networked interface.

Ajax also features a high level of modular protection, with STANAG Level 4 armor that can withstand artillery fragments, small arms fire, and anti-tank mine blasts. Its suite of sensors includes long-range thermal imagers, laser rangefinders, panoramic commander’s sights, and a ground surveillance radar capable of detecting moving targets at extended distances. The vehicle supports a three-person crew consisting of commander, gunner, and driver and offers high-endurance capability with a top speed of over 70 km/h and a sophisticated hydropneumatic suspension system for cross-country performance.

The Ajax family includes six principal variants: Ajax for turreted reconnaissance, Ares as the armored personnel carrier, Athena for command and control, Apollo for armored recovery, Atlas for field repair, and Argus for engineering reconnaissance. This comprehensive suite enables the British Army to deploy a fully integrated and mission-flexible reconnaissance group that can operate independently or in support of armor and infantry formations.

The Ajax program is a centerpiece of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Industrial Strategy and Future Soldier reform initiative. After early challenges with vibration and safety during trials, the platform has now passed its critical testing milestones and is entering widespread regimental adoption. Over 500 vehicles are scheduled for delivery, with full operational capability projected before the end of the decade.

The introduction of Ajax represents a fundamental transformation in the British Army’s ability to conduct high-intensity reconnaissance, replacing the aging CVR(T) fleet with a platform capable of surviving, sensing, and striking in multi-domain environments. The CVR(T) series, while valued for its speed and transportability, lacks the modern protections and connectivity required for contemporary warfare. In contrast, Ajax brings the ability to detect, identify, and engage enemy threats with precision and transmit battlefield intelligence in real time. It elevates reconnaissance from a passive observation role to an active battlefield enabler.

With the new Ajax tracked combat vehicle, British reconnaissance forces will have the tools to operate at greater distances, with more data, under tougher conditions, and with superior protection. It reinforces the British Army’s ability to dominate the information domain, shape the tactical environment, and act decisively based on accurate and timely intelligence. As the platform enters service across the Royal Armoured Corps, it represents not just a replacement of old vehicles but a complete redefinition of how the British Army sees, understands, and acts on the modern battlefield.