Ajax Initial Operating Capacity 2026-02-02
2026-02-02
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references previous incidents during Exercise Titan Storm where 33 injuries were sustained. He notes General Dynamics achieved IOC on July 23, followed by three other exercises.
What steps he is taking to ensure the delivery of initial operating capability for the Ajax programme. The Minister knows that I have a keen interest in this topic. There were 33 injuries sustained during Exercise Titan Storm. General Dynamics achieved initial operating capability for Ajax on 23 July, and between then and Exercise Titan Storm on 22 November, there were three other exercises: Exercise Scorpion Cyclone, Exercise Cyclone Storm and Exercise Tradewind. I asked the Minister a written question last year about how many injuries were sustained, but I am yet to receive a response. How many noise and vibration injuries were sustained on those three exercises? Will he confirm whether there were any injuries prior to his signing off IOC on 5 November?
I am certain that I have replied to that one, but will check when I get back to the Department, and make sure that he has the reply. We are looking at all the incidents from Titan Storm, at previous suggestions of incidents, and at potential injuries. The injuries under the last Government were well documented, but we have instigated a number of investigations to get to the bottom of what happened, and why that information did not flow to Ministers ahead of the IOC declaration.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide concrete figures for injuries sustained during the exercises mentioned by the MP, nor did he confirm whether there were any injuries before signing off on the initial operating capability.
Response accuracy