The Ajax combat vehicle has officially entered service with the British Army, marking the first major fleet update in nearly three decades. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the platform has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC), which means the vehicle is now ready for deployment and use within operational combat units. The introduction of Ajax is set to replace the long-serving, outdated CVR(T) series (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)), providing enhanced reconnaissance, command, and support capabilities, reports The WP Times with reference to UK Defence Journal.
The machine has undergone extensive testing, including firing its 40 mm cannon more than 20,000 times, performing demanding trials in extreme climatic conditions, and completing a rigorous 42,000 kilometers of testing under conditions simulating combat environments. The Ajax family of vehicles (based on the ASCOD platform) includes six distinct modifications designed to fulfill various roles across the battlefield.
This state-of-the-art tracked platform is equipped with advanced sensors and a comprehensive digital network. Furthermore, the Ajax is capable of achieving a top speed of up to 70 km/h.
The news follows related developments in Europe; the Government of Spain is currently modernizing the twin platform of the Ajax, the Pizarro Infantry Fighting Vehicles, which have been in service with the Spanish Army since 2003. The Spanish program aims to upgrade their Phase I vehicles to the standards of the Phase II variants, thereby unifying technical specifications and significantly boosting the combat effectiveness of the Pizarro fleet.
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