AJAX Achieves Initial Operating Capability in British Army

The British Army has announced that the AJAX Armoured Fighting Vehicle has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC)— a pivotal moment in the transformation of UK land forces and a key delivery for the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025.

This milestone confirms that a squadron of AJAX vehicles are ready to deploy on operations, delivering reconnaissance and combat capabilities to the frontline.

AJAX marks the British Army’s first introduction of a new armored fighting vehicle in nearly three decades. Designed, engineered, manufactured, and supported in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. AJAX benefits from a robust UK-wide supply chain that includes over 230 companies and sustains more than 4,100 highly skilled jobs. To date, General Dynamics Land Systems has delivered over 160 AJAX vehicles to the British Army. AJAX has demonstrated its reliability and performance through comprehensive and demanding trials, including:

• More than 42,000 km of rigorous battlefield testing
• Over 20,000 rounds fired from its advanced 40mm cased telescoped cannon
• Operational assessments in both hot and cold climates
• Live firing on the move and advanced mobility exercises

Comprising a family of 589 tracked, all-terrain vehicles across six distinct variants, AJAX provides digital integration, superior crew protection, and formidable firepower. Positioned at the core of the British Army’s armored and deep reconnaissance strike brigades, AJAX directly supports the vision of General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, aiming for a tenfold increase in operational lethality.

AJAX directly supports the Strategic Defence Reviews Objectives:

• Warfighting Readiness: AJAX equips the Army with a more lethal, integrated force ready for high-intensity operations.
• Engine for Growth: The programme sustains thousands of jobs and boosts prosperity through sovereign manufacturing and industrial partnerships.
• NATO First: AJAX strengthens the UK’s leadership within NATO, offering interoperable capability and export potential to allied nations.
• Innovation from Ukraine Lessons: With advanced sensors, digital architecture and autonomous-ready systems, AJAX reflects the SDR’s call for rapid technology adoption and battlefield digitisation.

Dave Paddock, President, General Dynamics Land Systems, said: “The AJAX platform has significant export potential, especially to NATO countries, and fills a crucial role in enhancing allied defence capabilities.”

Scott Milne, Vice President & General Manager, General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, said: “Achieving IOC is a testament to the dedication of thousands of British workers and the strength of our industrial partnerships. AJAX is more than a vehicle — it’s a transformational capability that will shape the future of armoured warfare and deliver on the UK’s strategic defence ambitions. This programme exemplifies how defence investment drives economic growth, supports national resilience and delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change.”

Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “Defence is an engine for growth. AJAX is contributing not only to the economy in South Wales but also UK-wide in the supply chain. We’re exploring the potential to export AJAX. AJAX boasts world-class capabilities, and it is a hugely important milestone that the UK-wide suppliers have delivered a vehicle that is safe, effective and truly cutting-edge, which will be recognised by allies and adversaries alike.”

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Defence investment from the UK Government directly supports thousands of high-quality jobs across every part of Wales. The delivery of hundreds of Ajax vehicles for the Army, made in Merthyr, cements the defence industry’s crucial role in the Welsh economy as we boost investment and growth across the country.”.”