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Ajax Programme
14 January 2026
Lead MP
Ben Obese-Jecty
Huntingdon
Con
Responding Minister
Al Carns
Tags
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Word Count: 16328
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns about ajax programme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to clarify whether the current issues with Ajax are still an issue today and if the contract incentivising production milestones over quality remains unchanged. Additionally, I seek confirmation on the validation of designs before manufacturing for capability drops 3 and 4.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Ajax programme has been failing for several years with issues such as noise and vibration, delays in delivery, and safety concerns. The National Audit Office report in March 2022 highlighted problems with component specifications, design changes, and sequencing of work leading to programme delays.
Adam Dance
LD
Yeovil
Asked about potential delays to the new medium helicopter contract at Yeovil, expressing concern over losing site capability if contracts are not awarded by March.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Acknowledged the importance of restoring faith in Ajax for soldiers' confidence and export potential, stressing the need to fix it quickly due to impending war concerns. Acknowledged the changing character of conflict due to Ukraine, stressed the importance of making Ajax relevant for future warfare despite potential obsolescence.
Carolyn Harris
Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Agreed on the need for secure, well-paid jobs across south Wales through sustaining and increasing employment in the defence sector.
Chris Evans
Lab/Co-op
Caerphilly
Criticized the MOD for operational difficulties in the Ajax programme, highlighting unrealistic targets set by General Dynamics. Emphasised the risk to soldiers' lives due to obsolete equipment and called for accountability at the MOD.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
The latest testing results need absolute priority for analysis without delay; uncertainty can cause doubt in potential customers and negatively impact the workforce, supply chain, and wider industry investment.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Represented workers at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, emphasizing safety concerns while highlighting the importance of Ajax for local jobs and export opportunities.
Dunbartonshire East
Referred to Ajax as an illustration of defence procurement issues in the UK, stating that delays to contracting are undermining national and economic security. Called for urgent action on the programme due to significant costs and delays. Agrees that the Ministry's response about bonuses is laughable and highlights the high salaries of officials involved in the programme despite its failures.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Ajax is crucial for military effectiveness and ensuring soldier safety; there have been issues with noise and vibration injuries leading to manufacturing pauses and major delays, with full operational capability delayed until 2028-29.
Katie Lam
Con
Weald of Kent
The Ajax programme is a disaster, consistently delayed and expensive. It poses risks to soldiers and represents poor value for taxpayers' money.
Francois
Con
Asked about delays in upgrading Challenger 2 to Challenger 3, agreeing with the need for Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land to resolve issues and move forward.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Defence procurements should avoid over-specifying requirements and rigorous testing must be conducted before subjecting soldiers to trials.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech. On Boxer specifically, just before Christmas I received an answer to a parliamentary question from the Department, saying that it now will not give the initial operational capability date for Boxer, and that it is subject to the long-awaited defence investment plan.
Rebecca Smith
Con
South West Devon
Linked lessons from Ajax to broader MOD procurement, mentioning issues with Boxer vehicles and Project Hunter rifles. Urged the Minister to speed up discussions on potential equipment issues.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Welcomed Government focus on swift investigation of Ajax programme but highlighted concerns over delays affecting workers' futures, safety of tested vehicles, and export opportunities.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Highlighted concerns raised by the Defence Committee in 2022 regarding the deliverability of Initial Operating Capability within proposed timeframes, suggesting the Minister should address these points. Asked for assurances that no future British troops will be put in harm's way when trials resume.
Government Response
Al Carns
The Minister for the Armed Forces
Government Response
Assured MPs of the Government’s commitment to the safety of service personnel. Confirmed ongoing investigations and a ministerial-led review into implementation of previous recommendations. Stressed that the Department is in close contact with General Dynamics and will be led by facts when deciding whether to back or scrap the programme.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.