The British Army is moving near to operationally planting its coming-generation surveillance platform, the Ajax armoured vehicle, following a successful live-fire gunnery exercise at Lulworth Ranges.
The Royal Armoured Corps( RAC) marked a crucial corner in its modernisation programme, demonstrating that the largely awaited vehicle is now ready for real-world police use.
Troop Leaders and Crew Commanders from the RAC recently completed an advanced gunnery phase on the new Ajax surveillance tracked armoured vehicle.
Shared via the British Army Royal Armoured Corps’ official X account on 5 November 2025, the training included live-fire exercises designed to assess the vehicle’s digital targeting systems and crew proficiency.
Officials described the session as an essential step in modernising the Army’s reconnaissance and armoured capabilities. “Closing with and destroying the enemy.”
Images from the exercise show crews engaging both static and moving targets with the Ajax’s CT40 40 mm cannon while operating from fully closed hatches.
The training emphasised rapid engagement, mobility under simulated threat, and seamless crew coordination in a fully networked, digitised environment.
The exercise included small troop elements of the British Army’s Armoured Cavalry Regiment, with commanders running live “shoot and scoot” drills.
Analysts say this highlights the shift from early technical trials to regiment-level operational training. It also reflects growing confidence in the platform, despite earlier challenges with gun-on-the-move accuracy and rollout delays.
“The emphasis on closed-hatch operations and high-tempo firing suggests a focus on integrating reconnaissance and strike functions, a key part of future Armoured cavalry doctrine.”
Key Features of the Ajax Vehicle
The Ajax is not just a vehicle; it’s a family of six variants built on a common chassis and digital backbone:
- Ajax: Reconnaissance and fire support
- Ares: Troop carrier
- Athena: Command post
- Argus: Engineer reconnaissance
- Apollo: Repair vehicle
- Atlas: Recovery platform
The lead Ajax variant combines mobility, protection, and lethality with a fully digitised architecture, enabling real-time data fusion and sensor-to-shooter connectivity.
Its CT40 Case Telescoped Armament System, developed with CTA International, offers greater firepower than traditional 30 mm turrets, allowing crews to engage light armour, fortified positions, and moving targets accurately while on the move.
“Troop leaders and crew commanders must master new fire-control systems, data-fusion networks, multi-layered threat awareness, and improved mobility regimes.”
Replacing the ageing CVR(T) Scimitar and parts of the Warrior fleet, Ajax is designed to function as the “eyes and ears” of the British Army’s armoured brigades.
It is built to gather battlefield intelligence quickly, support strike formations, and operate in contested electronic and kinetic environments.
While not a frontline tank, it is a lethal scout and command hub capable of rapid engagement and withdrawal.
Training and Tactical Significance
During the Dorset exercises, commanders prioritised horizon-grounded engagement, thermal and IR detector integration, and rapid-fire target acquisition.
Simulated pitfalls, including counter-battery fire and UAVs, tested the colours’ decision-making speed and effectiveness under pressure.
The gunnery phase highlights three critical confines of the Ajax program: horsepower, survivability, and mobility within a networked combat terrain.
Hydro-pneumatic suspension, modular armour, and advanced sensors combine to provide crews with situational awareness and high-tempo operational flexibility. “It is firing from it.”
The British Army intends to address 589 vehicles across the Ajax family. Named cavalry paratroops will transition first, with full capability anticipated between 2028 and 2029.
Judges note that functional integration will bear rigorous training, cyber adaptability operation, and logistical collaboration.
Strategic Outlook
As the UK continues its “Future Soldier” reforms, Ajax exemplifies the Army’s shift towards agile, networked, and digitally-enabled formations.
High-mobility armoured cavalry capable of rapid reconnaissance and strike operations is now central to the nation’s defence posture.
The Lulworth gunnery exercise sends a clear message: the British Army is serious about modernising its reconnaissance-strike capability, and the Ajax armoured vehicle is no longer just a prototype on paper.
For observers and military enthusiasts, the coming months will be crucial. Further training phases, regimental rollout, and combined arms exercises will determine whether Ajax can deliver on its promise.
