The British Army’s Ajax family of vehicles has reached the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in the United Kingdom.
This milestone translates as the British Army’s ability to start deploying units equipped with vehicles from the Ajax family in operational theaters.
Initial problems and intensive tests
The Ajax family experienced multiple problems in the initial phase, including excessive noise, vibrations, and reliability issues. This led to a long dispute between British Defense and the industry.
Thus, the Ajax underwent thorough testing for several years, with over 20,000 shots fired from its 40 mm telescopic cannon. The tests also included training in hot and cold conditions abroad, shooting on the move, and over 42,000 kilometers traveled.
The Ajax program
The Ajax program plans for the production of 589 fully digital tracked Ajax platforms, to be produced in six different versions under a contract awarded by the UK MoD to General Dynamics Land Systems (United Kingdom).
The vehicles of the Ajax family will be assigned to the Armored Brigades and the long-range reconnaissance units, replacing the current CVR(T)s, which have been in service for over fifty years.
The Ajax is a program destined to deliver an advanced fleet of armored combat vehicles that offer reconnaissance and attacking capabilities in a contested battlefield environment. The vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge technology for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR).
The Ajax program is part of an investment worth 41 billion pounds.
Source: Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S)
Photo credit: @British Army
