Former soldier Alfie Usher says defence officials tried to suppress videos showing alleged safety and technical problems with the Army’s Ajax armoured vehicles. The footage, posted on the military forum Fill Your Boots, showed soldiers reporting noise and vibration symptoms, as well as apparent faults including loose fittings, drainage issues and a rear door closing on a test dummy; it prompted the Army to suspend Ajax training and exercises.

Internal Ministry of Defence emails released under freedom of information laws show officials discussing security incidents, contacting the forum to seek removal of the videos and worrying about reputational damage and staff morale. Ajax, built by General Dynamics Land Systems UK, was ordered in a £5.5 billion-plus contract for 589 vehicles, but has faced years of delays and technical difficulties, arriving eight years later than planned; the Government has ordered reviews and investigations.