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Written question asked by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 July 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 July 2021 (named day). It was answered by Jeremy Quin (Conservative) on Monday, 12 July 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ajax Vehicles: Testing

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Initial Operating Capability for the AJAX armoured fighting vehicle can be declared while operators are required to wear protective headwear due to the functionality of the vehicle.

Answer

Initial Operating Capability (IOC) equates to the delivery of the first 25 Capability Drop 1 Ajax vehicles, (8 ARES, 2 ATLAS, 3 APOLLO and 12 AJAX), and their associated support, training and infrastructure packages and is designed to enable vehicle familiarisation, initial training and experimentation, including static firing. Further system integration and fire on the move capability is planned to be cleared next as part of the operationally deployable Capability Drop 3 level.

As I have said previously to the House, we will not accept a vehicle that falls short of our requirements, and will not declare IOC without establishing a path to resolution on the noise and vibration issues.

The sequential steps for the demonstration phase for AJAX mean that capability will be enhanced by a series of capability drops. Capability drop 3 vehicles will enable the AJAX to be deployed on Operations. The final capability drop (4) will deliver the final vehicles and enable Full Operating Capability to be declared.

I would further refer the right hon. Member to the answers I gave on 14 June 2021 to Questions 12074 and 12968.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28976
Session
2021-22
Attachment
12074 - Ajax Vehicles; Testing; 12968 - Ajax Vehicles
Related items
Ajax Vehicles
Monday, 14 June 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Ajax Vehicles: Testing
Monday, 14 June 2021
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Protective clothing Testing Ajax vehicles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk