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british Army’s Ajax Vehicle Faces Renewed Scrutiny Over Soldier Hearing Concerns
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despite a £5.5 billion price tag and recent assurances of safety, the British Army‘s new Ajax armoured vehicle continues to raise concerns about potential hearing damage among troops, casting a shadow over its long-delayed introduction.Soldiers reportedly required medical treatment for hearing problems during final testing this summer, adding to years of anxieties surrounding noise and vibration levels within the vehicle.
The Ajax, designed to replace the aging Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) family of vehicles, was formally accepted into army service in September. However, a source close to the program revealed that “people are still being hurt,” suggesting ongoing health risks despite official pronouncements.
Years of Delays and Lingering Doubts
The Ajax program has been plagued by delays, initially slated for introduction in 2017, then pushed back to 2020 and 2021. Trials were halted in June 2021 due to safety concerns, specifically regarding excessive noise and vibration. A subsequent review, published in December 2021, indicated that 11 out of 310 soldiers tested experienced “long-term restrictions on noise exposure recommended” by medical professionals, with a further 17 receiving specialist outpatient care.
A former defense minister at the time publicly stated that the situation highlighted a potential prioritization of cost and value for money over soldier safety within the army.
Conflicting Statements and Unanswered Questions
Junior Defence Minister Luke Pollard asserted on Wednesday that the Ajax’s noise and vibration issues were “firmly in the past” at a launch event. “If it were not safe, we would not be putting it in the hands of our frontline troops,” Pollard stated, adding he had received assurances of the vehicle’s safety from army leadership.
Though, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) later acknowledged ongoing issues when pressed for clarification. A spokesperson confirmed that concerns raised over the summer were investigated, but “no systemic issues were found.” The MoD declined to disclose the exact number of soldiers treated for noise complaints, but confirmed there were no reported cases of tinnitus or motion sickness. Treatment was provided at primary care facilities, similar to a GP’s office.
Decibel Levels and Safety Protocols
Journalists recently toured the General Dynamics manufacturing facility in Merthyr Tydfil, experiencing the 7.6-meter-long,40-tonne vehicle firsthand.Measurements taken with a mobile phone indicated noise levels of 90 decibels from a few metres away. According to the Health and Safety Executive, prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds exceeding 85 decibels can cause hearing loss, necessitating protective measures for employees.
The MoD maintains that safety has been improved through the implementation of a dual-layer protection system – earplugs and headphones – for crew and passengers. Defence sources claim soldiers can operate the Ajax for up to six hours while remaining within three-quarters of established safety limits.
A Wider Pattern of Hearing Loss in Military Service
These concerns surrounding the Ajax are not isolated. The British Army has grappled with issues of hearing loss among personnel for decades. In September, thousands of UK veterans initiated legal action against 3M, alleging that the company’s combat earplugs, used in conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan, were ineffective. 3M maintains its product functioned correctly when used as intended.
The ongoing issues with the Ajax vehicle underscore the critical need
