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

The government halted all testing of Ajax armored vehicles after another soldier was injured during safety trials.

Three separate investigations are currently underway after approximately 30 soldiers fell ill due to noise and vibration during a training exercise in November.

23 vehicles used in the exercise were closed for use due to injuries, and their inspection results will be published in the new year.

Defense Minister Luke Pollard told Parliament that the latest report of a soldier falling ill due to vibration came during additional security trials aimed at providing more information to investigations.

The defense minister said the soldier did not need to be hospitalized and that the vehicle they were in, which was not one of 23 currently suspended, was subject to a “thorough investigation”.

The multi-million pound Ajax vehicles, built by General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, were originally scheduled to enter service in 2017 and deliver 589 vehicles.

The £6.3bn program has been beset by problems and repeated delays as noise and vibration harmed soldiers testing the vehicles.