Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Paragraph: 51
The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic...
Conclusion
The Ajax programme, which is now also seriously delayed, is yet another example of chronic mismanagement by the Ministry of Defence and its shaky procurement apparatus. This is particularly worrying, as Ajax is fundamental to the establishment and deployment of the Army’s new Strike Brigades, which are intended to be a key Obsolescent and outgunned: the British Army’s armoured vehicle capability 55 part of its future order of battle. As the Ministry materially contributed to delays to both Warrior and Ajax—by insisting on a complex, new generation 40mm cannon, when other tried and tested alternatives were available—they should now publicly justify why this decision was taken and by whom in Main Building, on the Army Board or at DE & S and what urgent action is now being taken, to mitigate its obviously deleterious effect.
Paragraph Reference:
51
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
There is no suggestion that the weapons system has contributed to the delays on AJAX and we remain committed to it. While there are alternatives to the 40mm cannon, they do not meet the lethality requirements and are unable to fire the new Cased Telescopic Ammunition. The cannon and ammunition that has been selected for AJAX is stabilised, so that it can fire on the move, and it can defeat both Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Main Battle Tanks. The cannon can also fire programmable ammunition such as airburst at high elevation against a range of airborne and urban targets significantly enhancing its utility and effectiveness. The HMT, IAB and the then-Minister for Defence Equipment and Support approved the selection the 40mm cannon and cased Telescopic Ammunition in March 2008.