Thread by @nicholadrummond

AJAX (Mini-thread)
Working for a competitor of @gduknews I didn't think it was appropriate to comment on the specific issues related to the Ajax programme, but I do want to say something important about the capability itself.
1/7

Without the reconnaissance strike and fire support element that Ajax is intended to provide, the Army will not be able to fulfil its 2030 aspirations. Heavy Brigade Combat Teams will lack sufficient lethality, and be placed at a considerable disadvantage operationally.
2/7

This means any notion of cancelling Ajax and deleting the capability altogether is neither credible nor acceptable. You might as well disband the Army. The Government could only consider the cancellation of Ajax if it were to replace it with an alternative platform.
3/7

If the Government cancelled Ajax, it would need to write-off the £3.5 billion already spent. It would also need to find a further £3.5 billion to acquire a substitute platform. This is also unacceptable and unaffordable given the current resource envelope.
4/7

To reiterate, Ajax is an essential capability central to the Army's emerging doctrine and its future way of warfare. While we cannot afford to lose the utility it will provide, it would be wrong to say it's too important to fail. So we must find a way to make it work.
5/7

Any ambitious equipment programme will encounter unexpected issues that add cost and cause delay. The question is at what point does something become undeliverable? And, if you feel you've reached that point, how do you manage the situation? It's never easy.
6/7

Einstein said “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” If Ajax is not working, it means something radical needs to be done to fix it. Those responsible will need to be bold, brave and innovative, while maintaining their integrity.
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