Former Commander Raises Alarm Over Ajax Armoured Vehicle Noise and Vibration Issues
Rob Page, a former lieutenant colonel, has publicly shared his concerns regarding significant hearing loss he attributes to his time overseeing trials of the British Army’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicle. Page’s revelations come amid renewed scrutiny of the vehicle, which has been linked to injuries among soldiers during its trials.
Veteran’s Experience and Concerns
During his two-year tenure testing the Ajax from 2019 to 2021, Page noted that several soldiers experienced hearing damage due to excessive noise from the vehicle, along with various physical ailments from vibrations while operating it. In late 2020 and again in 2021, Page advised military officials to cease trials until the identified issues could be adequately addressed.
Despite these warnings, fresh incidents were reported earlier this year, leading to a pause on Ajax operations while investigations take place. Page emphasized the paramount importance of soldier safety, asserting, “It feels a bit like a repetition… soldier safety has to come first, and foremost.”
Impact on Soldiers
Throughout 2020, Page became increasingly troubled by symptoms among soldiers, including persistent ringing in the ears and bodily pain due to what is termed “whole body vibration.” He initiated health checks to monitor soldiers before and after vehicle use, which reinforced concerns about the Ajax’s safety.
Timeline of Issues and Responses
The Ajax programme has been mired in challenges since its inception, primarily due to delays and rising costs under a £6.3 billion contract with General Dynamics. Years of pressure to deliver nearly 600 vehicles heightened the stakes for the Army, making the reporting of safety concerns a daunting task. Page’s correspondence attempting to address these risks culminated in what he termed a “Chernobyl email,” which drew parallels to historical failures in nuclear safety protocols.
Page underscored the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s risks rather than temporary fixes, indicating that the focus should be on effectively resolving the root causes of the noise and vibration complications.
Health Assessments and Findings
After trials ceased, Page and others were offered hearing evaluations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He learned he had lost approximately 20% of his hearing, compounded by tinnitus, which he described as exceedingly frustrating. As Page stated, “Hearing is one of our core senses… losing it is a permanent disability.” The emotional impact of these health issues has further complicated his transition to civilian life.
Manufacturer’s Response
General Dynamics UK has responded to the criticism, claiming extensive measures have been taken to ensure the Ajax’s safety. The company described the vehicle as “one of the most tested combat vehicles ever produced” and assured that safety remains their highest priority. They noted enhancements made since the original concerns were raised, including modifications to vehicle design and updates to equipment provided to soldiers.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated their commitment to prioritising the safety of personnel, stating, “We will always put the safety of our personnel first… We take any allegations very seriously and will look closely at any evidence provided.”
Background
The Ajax programme has been a focal point for discussions on defence procurement issues within the UK. The ongoing challenges with the vehicle highlight systemic problems in how military equipment is developed and introduced into service. The reports of injuries connected to the Ajax serve as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by military personnel and the critical need for rigorous safety standards.
Source: Original Article
