British soldiers reported vomiting and hearing loss during a November training exercise with the Ajax armoured vehicle, prompting a safety investigation. Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the £6.3 bn programme will continue, but new controls will tighten vehicle usage. The Army Safety Investigation Team found symptoms stemmed from a mix of technical faults and environmental conditions, not a single cause.

Noise and vibration levels were found below legal limits, addressing a long‑standing concern. Pollard noted most soldiers experienced only temporary symptoms and that all personnel have now returned to normal duties. He acknowledged past shortcomings, stating the experience for troops using Ajax has not been good enough and is unacceptable.

The Ministry of Defence will roll out a phased reintroduction, starting with a limited fleet under tight controls, followed by upgrades such as better air filtration, heating and electrical systems. General Dynamics welcomed the decision, praising the phased approach and its focus on delivering a significantly improved user experience for soldiers.

The Ajax project, launched in 2014 and delayed since 2017 due to noise and vibration issues, remains a £6.3 bn investment. Stakeholders watch closely as the resumption could influence future procurement budgets and the UK’s defence‑industrial relationships.