Certainty needed over Ajax Army vehicles, say MPs

"Shelley PhelpsWales Westminster correspondent PA Media MPs have called for certainty and swift decision-making on the paused Ajax armoured vehicles project to protect jobs in south Wales. Testing of the vehicles was paused and several investigations are being conducted after around 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a training exercise last year. The multi-million pound Ajax vehicles are made in Merthyr Tydfil by General Dynamics, which employs around 700 people."

"Labour MP Gerald Jones, whose Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare constituency is home to General Dynamics' factory, told ministers the skilled and long-term employment it provided were "vital to the ongoing regeneration of the valleys". In an area where the heavy industry of coalmining and steelmaking has ceased, he said, "new industry and employment opportunities are so important to creating hope and growth in our communities"."

MPs urged rapid clarity and decision-making on the paused Ajax armoured vehicle programme to protect jobs in south Wales. Testing was suspended after about 30 soldiers suffered illness from noise and vibration during a training exercise, prompting multiple investigations. The Ajax vehicles are manufactured in Merthyr Tydfil by General Dynamics, which employs roughly 700 people, and local MPs emphasised the programme's importance for regional employment and regeneration. MPs warned that prolonged uncertainty harms worker morale, risks export opportunities, and could undermine economic recovery in former heavy-industry communities. The government said investigations must be allowed time to complete to ensure personnel safety.

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