Britain’s Ministry of Defence has paused use of the problem-plagued Ajax armoured fighting vehicle for two weeks after dozens of soldiers were diagnosed with hearing problems in a training exercise.
The suspension raises further questions about the future of Ajax, but also about the integrity of MoD procurement processes for military equipment. The vehicle was this month declared operational — and safe by ministers — after years of delays.
The ministry on Tuesday said about 30 soldiers had reported symptoms of noise and vibration after taking part in a training exercise in the vehicles at the weekend and a “small number” were receiving medical care.