Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel are undergoing treatment for hearing loss following operating within an Ajax or Ajax-platform vehicle.

On 22 November 2025, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure.

Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care.

Importantly, none of the symptoms were life-threatening or severe enough to require hospitalisation, and most soldiers have already shown significant improvement, with many returning to their duties.

As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing, and I will update the House at an appropriate point.