According to Pollard, the investigation concluded that the official did not inform senior leadership about all identified problems related to excessive noise and vibration. This omission allowed the Ajax fleet to be declared at initial operating capability in autumn last year, despite unresolved safety concerns.
During a two-week period of the Titan Storm exercise, 35 soldiers reported symptoms linked to noise and vibration exposure while using Ajax vehicles. As a result, training and exercises were suspended, followed several weeks later by a complete halt to vehicle operation and all further testing.
Of the 35 affected soldiers, two injuries were found to be unrelated to the use of Ajax vehicles, while 25 returned to duty quickly and eight remain subject to medical procedures. An interim Senior Responsible Owner has been appointed, and National Director of Armaments Rupert Pearce has taken direct oversight of the programme.
Pollard stated that there is currently no prospect of restoring initial operating capability for the Ajax family of vehicles. He added that this would only be possible after planned trials clearly demonstrate the platform is safe for users, while not expressing an opinion on whether this outcome can ultimately be achieved.
