The British Army shared the successful outcome of the trials in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing them as “a resounding success.” Accompanying the announcement was dramatic drone footage capturing the Ajax vehicle maneuvering across the range and firing at targets with precision, demonstrating the vehicle’s advanced capabilities.
The latest Ajax trials have been a resounding success 🥳
Following the successful cold weather trials in Sweden, military crews have completed the first firing on the move exercise in the UK.
Watch below to see Ajax in action.#Ajax pic.twitter.com/77ysvUnmdL
— British Army 🇬🇧 (@BritishArmy) August 6, 2024
The Ajax program, a decade-long and £5.5 billion initiative, has faced numerous challenges, including significant delays and safety concerns. Originally slated for service in 2017, the project encountered repeated setbacks, with some soldiers even being discharged due to hearing loss sustained during earlier trials. These issues cast a shadow over the program, leading to widespread scrutiny and concern about the platform’s future.
However, the program has seen a resurgence of late. Last year, former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace asserted that the Ajax program had “turned a corner” and was “back on track.” Since then, there have been notable improvements, with Ajax crews in November lauding the vehicle for its impressive firepower, reliability, and performance. The successful completion of this latest firing-on-the-move exercise further cements this turnaround.
The Ajax vehicle, designed to be at the core of the British Army’s future armored fleet, boasts advanced features that enhance its lethality, survivability, and mobility. Central to its design is an advanced sensor suite that offers all-weather intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. The vehicle is also the first in the British Army to be equipped with the jointly developed UK-French Case Telescoped 40mm Cannon (CT-40 Cannon), a highly advanced weapon system that provides greater lethality while saving space.
The Ajax family includes both turreted and non-turreted variants, each with specific armament capabilities. The turreted variants are equipped with a coaxially mounted 7.62mm L94 Chain Gun, while the non-turreted versions feature a Remote Weapon Station (RWS) capable of mounting various heavy machine guns or grenade machine guns.
Currently, the Ajax is in the Demonstration and Manufacture phases of its lifecycle. The British Army has been conducting extensive training on early Ajax vehicles within operational units and training establishments, with reliability growth trials showing promising results. The Army plans to begin deploying operationally ready platforms to the Field Army throughout 2024, with the Household Cavalry Regiment set to be the first unit to fully convert to the Ajax.
The British Army is expected to receive a total of 589 Ajax vehicles by the end of the decade, underscoring the platform’s critical role in the future of the UK’s armored forces. As the Ajax continues to prove its capabilities, it represents a vital asset in modernizing the British Army and enhancing its operational effectiveness in the years to come.
