Following the Integrated Review, it is evident that both of these requirements remain, but it is less clear that Ajax is the best way of meeting them.The removal of armoured infantry as a capability within the British Army following the determination to retire Warrior without a replacement Infantry fighting vehicle, as well as the further reduction in heavy armour, means that the enablers to support heavy platforms like Ajax will be scarce and concentrated.If grouped within the Heavy Brigade Combat Teams alongside Challenger 3, Ajax cannot deliver infantry to the objective and cannot perform the divisional reconnaissance function. Alternatively, if made part of the Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team, Ajax will struggle to be sustained operating independently.Ajax’s inability to peer-to-peer recover also makes it a poor independent unit, while its weight, complexity and size make it hard to deploy with lighter forces, despite the British Army seeking to operate further afield with greater frequency.
The British Army has gone without Armored Infantry for awhile now.
Ajax was (to be brutally honest) never a real solution for the recon role and in light of vehicles produced since its entered service is now dated.
The focus of the govt/defense establishment has changed from supporting efforts in Europe to working with the US in the Pacific. This along with a distinctly "naval" view taking a prominent role means that not only is it technologically outdated but "role" outdated.
I believe the Ajax will be canned and additional Boxers bought.
Strike Brigade Combat Teams are the future of the British Army. Boxer won, Ajax lost.
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