A cutting-edge training facility has been officially unveiled at the Combined Manoeuvre Centre in Bovington, marking a transformative step forward in the British Army’s Armoured Cavalry Programme.
The purpose-built facility will house an array of immersive simulators, providing advanced synthetic military training and vehicle instruction for the new Ajax capability.
Revolutionising Armoured Cavalry Training
The Ajax programme represents a significant modernisation of the British Army’s capabilities, introducing a family of digitally enabled, all-terrain armoured vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and weaponry. Designed to deliver transformational change, Ajax is set to redefine the operational potential of the Army’s Armoured Cavalry units.
Colonel John Godfrey, Deputy Commander of the Combat Manoeuvre Centre and Commander of Bovington Garrison, highlighted the importance of the new facility:
“AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicle) simulators are integral to the Safe System of Training. The facility formally opened at ARMCEN today provides us with a step change in our simulation training capability and enables us to thoroughly prepare new drivers, operators, and commanders to get the very best from Ajax. It sets the new benchmark for our modernisation programmes.”
A Comprehensive Suite of Simulators
The Bovington facility is equipped with a wide array of advanced training simulators, including:
- Three Desk Top Trainers
- Six Enhanced Procedural Driver Trainers
- Three Full Motion Driver Trainer Simulators
- Three Crew Turret Trainers
- Four Small Arms Drill Trainers
These simulators allow for safe, cost-effective training, reducing the wear and tear on vehicles, minimising environmental impact, and decreasing reliance on live training areas.
Chris Bowbrick, Senior Responsible Owner of the Ajax Programme, underscored the critical role of the facility in the success of the programme:
“The delivery of this facility at the Combined Manoeuvre Centre delivers a critical capability to the Army and to the success of the Ajax Programme. It’s great to see it operational and enabling the delivery of synthetic training to Field Army units.”
Broader Modernisation Across the Estate
This is not an isolated development. Additional Ajax simulation centres have already been delivered at Tidworth Garrison and Bulford Camp on Salisbury Plain Training Area, with completion at Warminster Garrison expected by the end of 2025.
Brigadier Pete Quaite OBE, Head of Infrastructure Plans, praised the project’s strategic significance:
“We are providing investment across several areas of our estate to modernise training infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and deliver benefits for our people. It is excellent to see the new Ajax facility at Bovington now in use, offering ‘real-world’ training for military personnel, reducing running costs, and providing a critical capability to the Army.”
Collaborative Efforts and Future Capabilities
The new facility reflects a collaborative effort between Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) project teams and industry partners. Warren Webster, DIO’s Major Programmes and Projects Army Director, said:
“Completion of this impressive facility is testament to the collaborative approach between our project team and industry partners. This modern, high-quality facility meets the infrastructure requirements of the Army’s Armoured Cavalry Programme and supports the training of its personnel.”
The Future of Ajax
Ajax forms part of a £41 billion investment in British Army equipment and support over the next decade. Touted as the most advanced medium-weight armoured fighting vehicle globally, the programme is set to reach Initial Operating Capability between July and December 2025, with a fully trained and deployable squadron ready to sustain operations for up to six months.
A Transformational Leap for the British Army
The unveiling of the Ajax training facility at Bovington underscores the Army’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to enhance readiness, operational efficiency, and global capability. As the British Army continues to modernise, this state-of-the-art facility represents a cornerstone of its future operational success.
