Ajax has now had its Initial Operating Capability status put on hold by Defence Readiness & Industry Minister Luke Pollard — Ajax has now had its Initial Operating Capability status put on hold by Defence Readiness and Industry Minister Luke Pollard (Picture: MOD)

Army

Furious defence minister sacks senior official responsible for troubled Ajax programme

Defence Minister Luke Pollard says the senior civil servant responsible for the Ajax programme has been removed from his role.

As the Senior Responsible Owner, Chris Bowbrick oversaw a programme besieged with setbacks, culminating in 35 soldiers falling ill while working on the vehicles, just weeks after Ajax's initial operating capability (IOC) status was awarded – marking it safe to use.

Mr Pollard confirmed that Ajax's IOC status has now been "paused" and an interim figure has been appointed in Mr Bowbrick's place.

A need for accurate and timely information

In a written statement to MPs, Mr Pollard gave new updates on the progress of several reviews into the procurement programme.

He said submissions made to him by senior officials had not reflected the "full breadth of known" risks, particularly those relating to vibration-related injuries.

"To say that I am angry about the findings of the ministerial review is an understatement," Mr Pollard said.

"Ministers rely on accurate, timely and complete information to make decisions in the national interest. When that information does not meet this standard, the consequences are not abstract. They can be real, human and serious.

"And I experienced this firsthand with a visit to the Field Army last week ,where I met troops who have operated the Ajax vehicles."

The vehicle is intended to replace the CVR(T) line of armoured vehicles in the reconnaissance role — Despite its outward similarity to the Warrior IFV, the basic Ajax – one of six vehicles in the family – is intended to replace the CVR(T) line of armoured vehicles in the reconnaissance role (Picture: MOD)

Ajax official no longer in that role

He went on: "In this case, inaccurate information directly contributed to the decision to declare initial operating capability for Ajax.

"This is unacceptable, and today I have written formally to the wider department to explain how I expect people to be accurate, innovative and challenge unnecessary process and bureaucracy, whilst maintaining our people's safety.

"I have asked the Permanent Secretary to follow up on the key themes of this report."

Mr Pollard added that while he would not comment on "individual HR matters", the "Senior Responsible Owner of the Ajax programme is no longer in that role".

Unless the ongoing problems with Ajax are overcome, the future of this and the others in the Ajax family - Ares, Athena, Apollo, Atlas and Argus - could be in jeopardy — Unless the ongoing problems with Ajax are overcome, the future of this and the others in the Ajax family – Ares, Athena, Apollo, Atlas and Argus – could be in jeopardy (Picture: MOD)

Most of the affected soldiers back on duty

Mr Pollard also gave an update on the health of those taken ill while working on Ajax platforms during an exercise on Salisbury Plain in November.

He confirmed that of the 35 soldiers treated for injuries, 25 have since returned to military duties.

Two were found to have injuries not related to Ajax, while eight continue to be monitored and remain medically downgraded.

While Mr Pollard announced a pause to Ajax's IOC status, he confirmed that trials on the vehicle are recommencing. These trials, he said, would help "ensure we are best placed to decide Ajax's future".