Do you have confidence in the Ministry of Defence’s ability to manage large-scale equipment programmes like Ajax?

The Ministry of Defence has paused training with its £6.3bn Ajax armoured vehicle programme after around 30 soldiers became ill during a recent exercise, suffering from symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and disorientation caused by noise and vibration inside the vehicles.

Although the MoD claimed these issues had been resolved, this incident has prompted a two-week suspension and a new safety investigation.

A 2023 review criticised the programme for "systemic, cultural and institutional" failings and poor judgment, following years of delays and technical faults.

With only a fraction of the intended 589 vehicles delivered, the case raises serious questions about the MoD’s ability to manage large-scale defence procurement programmes.