UK Troops Report Hearing Issues in Final Ajax Vehicle Tests
British soldiers participating in final trials of the long-delayed Ajax armoured vehicle have reported experiencing hearing problems,prompting renewed scrutiny of the program’s safety and development. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that troops were equipped with earplugs and headphones during testing, and that safety levels were reportedly within limits, but the emergence of these health concerns raises questions as the vehicle nears potential deployment.
The Ajax program, initially slated for introduction in 2017, has faced years of setbacks, most recently due to concerns over excessive noise and vibration. Trials were paused in June 2021 after safety issues were identified. A subsequent review in December 2021 revealed that of 310 personnel tested, 11 were recommended for long-term restrictions on noise exposure, and 17 required specialist medical care. The issues surfaced as the vehicle underwent final assessments, eight years behind its original schedule.
the MoD stated that safety measures were improved with the introduction of a dual-layer hearing protection system, allowing soldiers to operate within acceptable noise limits for up to six hours. However, a defence minister in the previous Conservative government acknowledged in 2021 that the situation highlighted a potential imbalance within the army, where cost and value for money were prioritized over safety.The Ajax is intended to be a key component of the British army’s modernization efforts, providing enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. the future of the program and the deployment timeline remain uncertain as the MoD assesses the latest findings.
