Ajax fiasco leaves gap in our defence

THE bungled £6billion Ajax programme has left the Army with no armoured reconnaissance capability as the country gears up for the possible outbreak of war.

- BY CONOR WILSON

The Ajax armoured vehicle, which can survey enemy positions from up to five miles away, finally came into service last month after delays to its planned launch in 2017. But days later a “do not use” notice was issued as 31 soldiers fell ill with hearing and vibration-related symptoms after spending time inside it.

Now tests designed to confirm the cause have been halted after another soldier was injured.