Ajax armoured vehicle personnel suffer hearing loss

A number of military personnel have instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how they have been left with hearing loss after working on the Ajax Armoured Vehicle Programme.

Those who have instructed Irwin Mitchell were based at the General Dynamic Facility in Merthyr Tydfil and were responsible for testing Ajax vehicles.  This involved a rigorous routine with various personnel.

What historic investigation has revealed is that there were issues around vibration and noise from these vehicles which had been raised prior to any specific issues being identified, but it appeared that no further action had been taken at the time. Those that Irwin Mitchell are helping have also been affected with their mental health as a result of the injuries.

Documents disclosed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) during the investigation stage showed that the MoD was alive to the risks on noise and vibration in 2019 but did not put a stop to those working on these vehicles until much later and as recently as the summer of 2022 as far as exposure to noise was concerned.

Irwin Mitchell has commenced court proceedings against the MoD in these claims in which those affected have been either been medically discharged as a result of their various injuries working on the Ajax programme or felt compelled to leave The Army as they could no longer cope with their suffering.

Following service of court proceedings the MoD has admitted fault in all of these claims, which lawyers say is a step in the right direction. This means that the MoD acknowledge that those service personnel working on the Ajax vehicles have been exposed to damaging levels of noise and vibration, lawyers add.

However, the MoD has revealed that Ajax armoured vehicle trials will be ‘proceeding cautiously’ after they were halted last year when soldiers were physically sick. 

Taking into account the issues, this is very disappointing, lawyer representing personnel believe. Following the halt of the program in November 2025, the Minister for Defence Procurement, Luke Pollard, has now said that the £6.3bn programme had “left it’s troubles behind” and claimed that the vehicles are ready to be deployed on operations.

Carol Purang is a specialist military lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting clients who have worked on the Ajax vehicles.

“Nothing can make up for my clients’ lost career in The Army, because of damaging levels of exposure resulting in noise induced hearing loss, tinnitus, vibration and psychiatric injuries. 

 

"My clients have lost their careers and for those affected serving in The Army was all they ever dreamed of, so the impact for them and their families is great. Seeing first-hand the soldiers who have been affected by working on the Ajax programme is very far reaching and has really impacted theirs and their families lives mentally. 

 

 

"It is alleged that around 30 service personnel suffered from noise and vibration symptoms following their work on the Ajax fleet.  We believe that there may be many more, given the aged issues that have been flagged. The MOD claim that strict new controls have been implemented but that remains to be seen at the risk of how many more soldiers.

 

"It is deeply concerning that numerous service personnel have been affected and Irwin Mitchell will continue do all we can to support those affected."