UK troops treated for hearing problems in final tests of Ajax armoured vehicle
The British army's new Ajax armoured vehicle, a £5.5 billion project, faced a significant challenge this summer during its final testing phase. Soldiers reported hearing issues, prompting medical intervention. Despite initial claims of safety, concerns persist among troops, with some sources alleging ongoing harm.
The vehicle, set to be deployed, was declared fit for service in September after an investigation found no systemic issues. However, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) later acknowledged noise and vibration problems, leading to medical care for a small number of soldiers. Luke Pollard, a junior defence minister, assured the public that safety was paramount, but the MoD's response to soldier concerns raised eyebrows.
The Ajax's journey has been fraught with delays, initially planned for 2017, then 2020 and 2021. Trials were halted in June 2021 due to safety concerns, and a review in December 2021 revealed long-term noise exposure restrictions for 11 out of 310 testers and specialist care for 17. This sparked criticism from a former defence minister, who questioned the army's commitment to safety.
The Ajax, a 7.6-metre-long, 40-tonne vehicle, reached 90 decibels near its meter, exceeding the 85 decibel limit that can cause hearing loss. The Health and Safety Executive recommends protection for such levels. The MoD's dual-layer safety system, combining earplugs and headphones, aimed to mitigate risks, with soldiers able to operate the vehicle for six hours without exceeding safety limits.
Despite these measures, the Ajax's history of noise and vibration issues continues to raise questions about the army's commitment to soldier safety, leaving a trail of concerns that the project's success hinges on addressing these challenges effectively.
