Developed by Nexter Systems and CTA International, the thermal sleeves have been specifically adapted by General Dynamics UK (GDUK) for integration on the Ajax vehicle. The procurement was completed in under nine months as part of a rapid acquisition process, demonstrating the pace at which the programme is progressing.
Mounted onto the cannon’s barrel support, the thermal sleeve remains static while allowing the barrel to recoil freely inside it. This contributes to more stable firing performance and better signature management for the platform.
Colonel Jamie Hayward, Armoured Cavalry Programme Director, stated: “The CTAI CT40 Thermal Sleeve is an off-the-shelf solution designed for the CT40 cannon’s static barrel bend, an integral part of the weapon system which is now being incorporated to further enhance the firing accuracy and improve the life span of the barrel.”
The collaboration between Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), industry, and the Army has been key to the timely delivery of this capability. Mr Simon Pearson, Head Ajax Portfolio at DE&S, said: “As ever, the team behind delivering the AJAX programme has gone above and beyond to ensure that this latest piece of equipment was procured and delivered in under eight months.”
He added: “Defence procurement is not without its challenges but this latest activity highlights how things can and should be done when industry, DE&S and our customers in the Army work together for a common goal.”
Mr Scott Milne, Vice President & General Manager of General Dynamics Land Systems – UK Operations, commented on the wider benefits: “The integration of the Thermal Sleeve not only enhances the Lethality of the highly accurate Ajax CT40 cannon but also the signature management of this world class reconnaissance capability.”
He further noted: “Delivery of this rapid capability spiral has benefitted from strong collaboration across the growing Ajax Enterprise with CTAI acting as a trusted partner ensuring that Ajax is on track to exceed CGS’ challenge of doubling British Army fighting power by 2027.”
The Ajax programme is central to the Army’s modernisation plans and is part of a wider £41 billion investment in equipment and support over the next decade. A total of 589 vehicles will be delivered, forming one of the most advanced fleets of medium-weight armoured vehicles globally.
The platform features an open digital architecture and significant power and weight margins, enabling future upgrades. Plans are already underway to explore technologies such as active and passive protection systems, integration of airburst munitions, and sensor enhancements using artificial intelligence.
Beyond military capability, the programme is delivering substantial economic benefits by supporting or creating approximately 4,100 jobs across more than 230 UK-based companies.
