PA Media Defence minister Luke Pollard has said he was "disgusted" when he heard that soldiers were injured while using Ajax armoured vehicles, which he had previously been assured were safe. Last month, the Army paused its use of the vehicles after 30 soldiers became ill from noise and vibration during a military exercise. The 6.3bn Ajax project had been due to deliver 589 armoured vehicles with the first entering service in 2017. However, the programme has been beset by problems and repeatedly delayed.
The plan prioritizes naval fleet growth, missile systems, ground vehicles, and advanced electronics to maintain strategic edges. While the three largest U.S. defense contractors - Lockheed Martin ( ), RTX ( ), and Northrop Grumman ( ) - will secure large portions through flagship programs such as fighters and bombers, the spending surge creates broader gains. This could enhance revenues, support stock rallies, and provide predictable income streams amid economic uncertainties.