UK says General Dynamics currently 'not in breach' on Ajax
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has halted deployments of Ajax armoured vehicles after reports of severe vibration, crew illnesses, and equipment failures. Four parallel investigations are now underway to determine what went wrong with the £6.5 billion programme, which has faced repeated delays and scrutiny over testing standards.
The Ajax programme, managed by General Dynamics under a firm-price contract, remains under review. While the company is not currently in breach of its agreement, the MoD has stressed that any further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing probes. The head of the contracting authority will decide whether contractual remedies are needed once investigations conclude, with updates to be shared with Parliament.
The MoD has admitted to a culture of over-optimism in long-term defence projects, both within the department and industry. Officials now emphasise the need for active problem reporting to ensure transparency. Safety remains the priority, with a focus on protecting personnel and ensuring the vehicles meet operational standards. Deployments were paused after incidents involving excessive vibration, health issues among crews, and technical malfunctions. The programme’s future will depend on the outcome of the investigations, which aim to establish a verified account of the failures.
The Ajax programme’s next steps will be determined by the results of the four ongoing investigations. If shortcomings are confirmed, the MoD may enforce contractual measures against General Dynamics. For now, the focus remains on resolving safety concerns before any further deployments are considered.
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