The UK Ministry of Defence announced Thursday that the army has begun training again on the troubled Ajax infantry fighting vehicles.
The move reportedly highlights continued progress in the Ajax program, which was marred by technical concerns that caused an eight-year fielding delay.
According to the ministry, the training is utilizing 44 initial production standard Ajax vehicles at its military bases in Bovington and Bulford.
The instruction enables troops to learn how to operate the armored vehicles and use the systems integrated into them before their delivery in 2025.
“This is a significant moment for the British Army, marking a huge step forward for the Ajax Program,” UK defense procurement minister James Cartlidge said.
“The Ajax vehicles will provide a breakthrough in capability and I’m pleased to see such positive progress towards delivering a suite of battle-ready vehicles for our forces.”
The Ajax Program
In 2014, the UK signed a contract for three billion pounds ($3.7 billion) to produce and deliver 589 Ajax vehicles.
It specified that the vehicles should have cutting-edge sensors and modular armor for improved survivability.
They must also feature a high-powered 40-millimeter cannon and improved cross-country range and mobility.
However, the program experienced delays when soldiers complained about noise and vibration in the early trial versions of the Ajax.
The issues resulted in hearing loss in some cases, according to a British military official.
Now that the program is back on track, General Dynamics is poised to deliver the platform in six variants, each capable of operating in all weather conditions.
