Initial Operating Capability for AJAX Finally Declared

In a Whitehall press release, with more political spin than substance, the UK MoD has finally declared Initial Operating Capability for AJAX.

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06 November 2025 Press Release Pertinent Extracts:-

“AJAX has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC), a key delivery milestone that means it can now deploy a squadron on operations.”

“As the first armoured fighting vehicle to enter service with the British Army in nearly 30 years, AJAX has undergone extensive testing over several years including more than 20,000 rounds fired from the 40mm cannon. Trials also included hot and cold training overseas, firing on the move, and driving more than 42,000 kilometres in battlefield missions – the equivalent of driving the circumference of the Earth.” 

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Some further reading:-

• 30 Mar 22 ~ The AJAX Lessons Learned Review
• 15 Dec 21 ~ UK Defence Ministerial Oral Statement On The AJAX Programme
• 21 Jul 21 ~ AJAX Recent Developments ~ The British Army NIMROD?
• 16 Oct 20 ~ British Army AJAX IOC Delayed

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