UK government halts Ajax trial after soldier falls ill in another vehicle

The government has paused all testing of Ajax armoured vehicles after another soldier was injured during safety trials.

Three separate investigations are currently being conducted after around 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a training exercise in November.

Twenty-three vehicles used on the exercise were already suspended for use due to the injuries, with the results of inspections on them to be published in the New Year.

In a written statement to Parliament, defence minister Luke Pollard said the latest report of a soldier becoming ill from vibration came during additional safety trials intended to provide more information for the investigations.

The defence minister said the soldier did not require hospitalisation, and the vehicle they were in – which is not one of the 23 already suspended – is undergoing a “thorough investigation”.

The multi-million pound Ajax vehicles, made in Merthyr Tydfil by General Dynamics, were originally due to enter service in 2017, delivering 589 vehicles.

The £6.3bn programme has been beset by problems and repeated delays, as noise and vibration have injured soldiers who have tested the vehicles.

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