Oral QuestionMinistry of Defence

What steps he is taking to ensure the delivery of Initial Operating Capability for the Ajax programme.

Tabled: 27 January 2026Answered: 2 February 2026

Asked by

Ben Obese-Jecty

ConservativeHuntingdon

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Defence

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry (Luke Pollard)

I have paused the declaration of IOC for Ajax until the investigations of safety incidents have concluded. Let me be clear: I want the Ministry of Defence and our forces to be bold, to innovate and to challenge, but they must never compromise on safety. We are preparing a recommendation on the next steps on Ajax, and I will keep the House informed, as I have since Exercise Titan Storm on 22 November last year.