Ajax crews to get high-tech virtual simulation training at huge new facility
A new training facility is being built at Warminster Garrison to support the Army's new Ajax armoured vehicle fleet.
The £17m project is well under way with a 226-tonne steel superstructure already in place.
The new facility will provide state-of-the-art synthetic training for units operating the Ajax and its sister vehicles, offering high-tech simulation systems for drivers, gunners and other crew members.
"The Warminster Garrison Ajax facility is progressing at an impressive pace and will deliver a critical capability to the Army," said Brigadier Pete Quaite, the head of Infrastructure Plans.
"This project demonstrates the significant investment under way across our estate to modernise our training infrastructure and deliver benefits for our people."
The facility is part of a broader effort to modernise training infrastructure, reduce the need for live training and cut operational costs.
The building, set to be completed by autumn 2025, will allow soldiers to prepare for real-world missions in a virtual environment.
"This new infrastructure is a vital component of the Ajax programme," said Colonel Jamie Hayward, the director of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
"It allows the appropriate technical solution to train our service personnel and enables a reduction in running costs, platform wear and dependence on live training areas."
The facility is being built by Aspire Defence, working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, and will be overseen by the Royal Dragoon Guards once completed.
The £5.5bn Ajax armoured vehicle programme has made significant progress, overcoming early challenges and heavy scrutiny.
Initially set to enter service in 2017, the programme faced repeated delays due to issues like excessive noise and vibrations during trials, which led to some soldiers suffering hearing damage and even medical discharges.
There are six variants of the Ajax vehicle sharing a common platform, meaning the British Army benefits from reduced logistics costs and increased operational flexibility.
Ajax and its variants
AJAX – Reconnaissance
The flagship of the family, Ajax is a reconnaissance vehicle equipped with a 40mm CTA cannon and advanced sensor systems. It is crewed by three people with the option of an additional passenger.
ATLAS – Recovery
Atlas is capable of towing and retrieving vehicles that have been hit or disabled in combat. It has more than 30 metric tonnes of winching power.
ARES – Troop carrier
Providing protection and mobility, the Ares variant is the armoured personnel carrier of the family, designed to transport soldiers safely into combat zones.
ARGUS – Battlefield engineering
Designed to carry out battlefield engineering tasks. Argus assesses terrain, identifies potential obstacles, and helps clear routes for other vehicles and troops.
ATHENA – Command and control
Designed to process and manage information to provide commanders with information to make informed decisions on the battlefield.
APOLLO – Repair
The Apollo carries the tools and equipment needed to perform battlefield repairs, including a five-tonne crane.
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