The Ministry of Defence has once more frozen coaching on the Military’s troubled Ajax reconnaissance car after 30 troopers reported noise and vibration signs throughout an train, prompting a brand new security investigation solely days after the fleet was formally declared to have reached Preliminary Working Functionality.
In a written assertion to Parliament, Defence Readiness and Business minister Luke Pollard mentioned he was updating MPs on the Armoured Cavalry Programme “generally referred to as Ajax,” and confirmed that though IOC had been reached, “a current coaching train has raised issues concerning the protection of the automobiles.”
Pollard confused repeatedly that he had demanded direct assurances earlier than signing off on progress. “As security is my prime precedence, previous to IOC I requested for and was given assurances in writing by senior Ministry of Defence personnel that the system was protected,” he instructed the Home.
These assurances have been examined on 22 November, when “round 30 Service personnel working Ajax reported noise and vibration signs throughout a coaching train.” Based on Pollard, the chain of command reacted instantly. “The train was stopped directly in step with our security protocols and people affected obtained full medical care and a focus, and proceed to be monitored,” he mentioned. He added that “there haven’t been any hospitalisations and not one of the signs are life threatening.”
Pollard has now directed a full pause on coaching. “The security of our Service personnel stays a prime precedence for the MOD,” he wrote. “As such, and out of an abundance of warning, I’ve directed a pause on use of Ajax for coaching and exercising, whereas a security investigation is carried out.”
He used the incident to argue that the protection reforms launched after earlier Ajax controversies have been working as supposed. “The fast escalation of medical issues, and halting the train instantly, demonstrates each the professionalism of our folks, and an improved security tradition functioning as designed, with the chain of command appearing appropriately and with the required urgency,” he mentioned.
Pollard additionally confused that the platform stays in energetic growth. “It is very important spotlight that Ajax is regularly being examined and developed,” he wrote. “This method allows our troopers and trade companions to work collaboratively to deal with challenges as they’re recognized.”
Investigators from the Defence Accident Investigation Board and the Military Security Investigation Crew at the moment are working “at tempo” with producer Common Dynamics to establish the reason for the newest signs. Pollard instructed MPs that “the Ministry of Defence will present additional updates sooner or later, upon completion of the investigation.”
Though Pollard didn’t deal with what the incident means for the broader programme, the choice to halt coaching solely days after IOC underlines the persevering with fragility of a venture that has confronted years of delays, technical issues and repeated security scares.