The Story ‘It's not an injury, it's a disability’: the soldier blowing the whistle on the army’s Ajax vehicles
Dec 12, 2025
Larisa Brown, Defence editor at The Times, and Rob Page, former British Army lieutenant colonel, dive into the controversial Ajax armoured vehicle program. Rob shares his hair-raising first impressions of the vehicle, citing disorienting vibrations and serious health issues reported by soldiers. Larisa discusses how, despite reports of injuries, the army pressed forward with its deployment. The pair reveal the stark reality of accountability and the political fallout from the program's failures, leaving listeners questioning the future of military modernization.
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Reassurance Then Relapse
- Larisa Brown described journalists being told Ajax issues were 'firmly in the past' only to learn of hospitalisations days later.
- She reported incidents where troops vomited and tremored uncontrollably after runs.
Ignored Warnings In Reviews
- The Sheldon report documented repeated, ignored concerns and highlighted systemic governance failures.
- Problems raised at lower levels were pushed through rather than forcing proper resolution.
From Excitement To Concern
- Rob Page described testing Ajax as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Armoured Corps with over 500 vehicles on order.
- He recalled excitement turning to concern as experienced soldiers reported unexpected vibration and hearing problems.