Defense News ,U.k & SwedishIn a significant development, the Royal Armoured Corps of the British Army has officially confirmed the successful testing of its cutting-edge Ajax armoured vehicle in the extreme winter conditions of Sweden. The tests, executed by the Household Cavalry on January 21, 2024, showcased the Ajax's resilience in temperatures plummeting to as low as -36°C. This milestone is a pivotal step in integrating the Ajax into the Army's future armoured fleet, emphasizing its capability to operate effectively in harsh weather conditions.
The winter exercise was not merely a display of the Ajax's endurance in frigid temperatures but also highlighted its advanced functionalities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) under challenging circumstances.
The Ajax family comprises six distinct variants, all based on a shared platform, strategically designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the British Army. These vehicles boast improved lethality, survivability, reliability, and mobility, coupled with sophisticated sensors that enable seamless all-weather, round-the-clock operations.
One standout feature of the Ajax program is the integration of the Case Telescoped 40mm Cannon (CT-40 Cannon), marking the first British vehicle to be equipped with this innovative weapon. A result of collaborative efforts between the UK and France, the CT-40 Cannon is capable of firing various ammunition types, including High Explosive, Armour Piercing, and Training rounds. The non-turreted Ajax variants come equipped with a versatile Remote Weapon Station (RWS), capable of mounting different calibers of machine guns and grenade launchers.
General Dynamics Land Systems–UK spearheads the delivery of 589 Ajax vehicles across the six variants to the British Army. The initial delivery phase commenced in February 2019, with the entire fleet anticipated to be operational by 2025, solidifying the British Army's commitment to modernizing its armoured capabilities.
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