New £5.5b British Army tanks causing sickness and deafness

The Army's new £5.5 billion Ajax tank is causing ongoing health issues for soldiers. Despite government assurances, troops training in the vehicles have reported needing hospital treatment due to noise and vibration injuries. Some compare their suffering to "white finger" damages, affecting their whole bodies. Hearing issues have also arisen from noise transmitted through headsets.

Though officials stated that "a small number of soldiers reported noise and vibration concerns," they downplayed systemic problems. Meanwhile, Defence readiness minister Luke Pollard claimed issues are "firmly in the past," asserting that Ajax is safe to operate. This program is already eight years behind schedule and facing heavy scrutiny.