Army's new Ajax continues brutal testing regime before hundreds go into service
The British Army can expect hundreds of Ajax armoured fighting vehicles to be ready for service before the end of the decade.
The new model of the fighting vehicle, which has recently been undertaking its latest trials in sub-Arctic conditions, is part of the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability.
In the Arctic, crews are training in difficult terrain and in -38°C conditions.
The Royal Armoured Corps wrote on social media: "Ajax: The Armoured Fighting Vehicle providing a world-leading competitive advantage.
"Testing in difficult terrain and in -38°C conditions was a challenge for both vehicle and crew.
"After successful sub-Arctic trials, everyone will welcome warmer conditions in the next phase."
Four hundred and forty-six Ajax models are scheduled to be delivered to the British Army by 2028.
Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge has also confirmed 93 Ajax vehicles will be ready for service this year, with a further 89 in 2025, 66 in 2026, 125 in 2027 and 73 in 2028.
It is not yet known how many units will be delivered in 2029 and 2030.
Mr Cartlidge, answering a written question from shadow defence secretary John Healey about numbers of Ajax vehicles and what year they will be delivered tio the Army, said: "In addition to the numbers of newly built platforms listed above, there are 143 Ajax vehicles that will be retrofitted from earlier build standards to the final deployable build standard.
"The plan for when these retrofitted vehicles will be delivered is currently still in development, however, all are currently scheduled for delivery by 2029.
"It is anticipated that all vehicles will be delivered to the Army in the same calendar year they are delivered to the department.
"If the vehicle is received late in the year, it is possible that the Army will receive the vehicle in the next calendar year."
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