General Dynamics Land Systems-UK (GDLS-UK) presented the Athena command-and-control (C2) variant of the Ajax AFV family for the first time at the 2019 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, held on 10–13 September.
The Athena variant is designed to provide digital C2 for the UK’s future Strike Brigades, which will consist of the tracked Ajax and wheeled Boxer AFV families.
The Ajax family will consist of six variants and “all variants are now in the initial production phase”, GDLS-UK vice-president Carew Wilks told Jane’s at DSEI.
The first Ares armoured personnel carriers (APCs) have already been delivered to the British Army for initial training and reliability growth trials ahead of the family’s initial operational capability (IOC), which is expected by 2021, Wilks added.
“As we head towards IOC, we will deliver all variants to enable the British Army to initiate training and prepare for the deployment of Strike Brigades,” he said.
The primary variant of the Ajax family is the turreted reconnaissance variant, which carries a Lockheed Martin UK turret armed with a CT40 cannon from CTA International. This vehicle is expected to provide information to the Athena C2 vehicle, which then disseminates it to the wider brigade.
The Athena C2 variant of the Ajax AFV family. It can be distinguished from the Ares APC by the raised superstructure and large box on the roof of the vehicle. (IHS Markit/Patrick Allen )
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
