Defence Online

Ajax Armoured Vehicle Achieves Initial Operating Capability, Securing UK Supply Chain

Land November 10, 2025

The British Army’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), marking a critical milestone that permits the vehicle to be deployed on operations.

This development validates a multi-year effort between the British Army, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and prime contractor General Dynamics, and solidifies the extensive UK industrial base involved in the vehicle’s production. The programme, which involves the delivery of 589 vehicles across six variants, directly supports a UK-wide supply chain of over 230 companies and more than 4,100 skilled jobs.

Manufactured in Merthyr Tydfil, the Ajax platform represents a significant investment in the UK’s sovereign armoured vehicle capability. The declaration of IOC follows a comprehensive and rigorous testing regime, which included firing over 20,000 rounds from its 40mm cannon and driving more than 42,000 kilometres in simulated battlefield conditions. The successful culmination of these trials provides the Army with its first new armoured fighting vehicle in nearly three decades, replacing the long-serving CVR(T) family of vehicles. For the extensive network of suppliers, this milestone transitions the programme from a development and testing phase to a mature, in-service capability, creating a stable foundation for through-life support, maintenance, and future upgrades.

The Ajax vehicle is equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, including a highly digitised architecture, sophisticated sensors, and a modular armour system. This digital backbone is designed to allow for spiral development over its service life, presenting long-term opportunities for technology suppliers to integrate future upgrades in areas such as C4I systems, autonomous functions, and advanced surveillance technology. This aligns with the British Army’s wider modernisation strategy, which is underpinned by a £41 billion investment in equipment and support over the next decade, focusing on enhancing lethality and digital connectivity.

Beyond its role with the British Army, the Ajax programme holds significant export potential, with active discussions reportedly underway with multiple international customers. This prospect offers the UK supply chain the opportunity for sustained production runs and integration into the global defence market, further leveraging the national investment in the platform. The achievement of IOC serves as a crucial endorsement of the vehicle’s capabilities on the world stage, strengthening its viability for prospective international partners.

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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.