Just five out of 27 major issues with the Army’s new armoured vehicles have been fixed, in the latest blow for British defence.
As war rages in Ukraine and ministers issue repeated warnings about the threat from Russia, Labour has discovered that 22 problems remain with the Ajax vehicles.
All need to be fixed before they can enter service.
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey fumed: “Ministers risk leaving our armed forces without the equipment they need to fight and fulfil our NATO obligations.”
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A watchdog last month delivered a scathing verdict on the £5.5billion deal for armoured vehicles which have left troops with hearing problems.
The Ministry of Defence has ordered 589 Ajax fighting vehicles - but has received just 26 and does not know when the rest will be delivered, according to the National Audit Office.
The vehicles were due in service five years ago but excess vibrations combined with other problems have fuelled delays.
Answering a written parliamentary question, Defence Procurement Minister Jeremy Quin admitted: “Five of the 27 limitations of use have been resolved, all of which are critical to achieving initial operating capability.
“Work continues to resolve the remaining limitations as the programme matures.”
Labour said the “continuing uncertainty around the programme has serious implications for the UK’s national defence and contribution to NATO at a time of increasing threats and growing Russian aggression”.
Ajax forms a key plank of the Ministry of Defence’s vision for restructuring the Army.
Last November, it outlined its modernisation plans, stating that “capabilities will be built around…Ajax” and the programme will have “a significant role in future operations”.
Mr Healey said: “Ajax is the biggest defence procurement failure of the past decade.
“As serious problems remain unresolved, dragging out the decision to scrap or stick with the programme leaves future Army plans in limbo.”
An MoD spokeswoman said: “The UK has shown truly global defence leadership, convening vital efforts to supply Ukraine with defensive military support while at the same time continuing to meet all our sizeable commitments to NATO and beyond.
“As with the introduction of any armoured fighting vehicle, limitations are imposed on Ajax while the vehicle is tested.
“We are unapologetic that the complex issues with the Ajax programme must be resolved safely and thoroughly, and the National Audit Office has noted the progress made.
“We will not, however, accept a vehicle that is not fit for purpose."
