DSEI 2025: General Dynamics Unveil Ajax IFV and ‘Blackjax’ Demonstrator
This week at General Dynamics unveiled two new striking Ajax variants. The much-discussed Ajax IFV and ‘Blackjax’ a new Ajax-based demonstrator. The unveiling took place on the opening day of the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition in London. ‘Blackjax’ is a new next-generation concept vehicle which represents an evolved part of the ‘Ajax’ family of Infantry Fighting Vehicles.
General Dynamics described the new concept variant further in a press release, published soon after the vehicles unveiling:
“This next-generation concept vehicle exemplifies the principles of spiral development. Designed to enhance battlefield lethality through agile and iterative capability evolution, BLACKJAX serves as a platform for exploring future technologies and operational concepts.”
‘Blackjax’ is on display at the General Dynamics stand in the North hall of the Excel Centre, painted in a stark all-black scheme alongside another new Ajax IFV variant in the same colour scheme.
The ‘Blackjax’, which appears to have an ASCOD-type hull, has room for 8 dismounts and a crew of 3 (made up of a commander, driver and gunner) who can control the unmanned turret from a control screen ahead of seated area for the dismounts. The vehicles even boasted custom number plate featuring ‘AJAX IFV’ and the ‘Blackjax’ name.
OVD spoke to a representative from General Dynamics who commented on the unveiling of the new vehicles remarking there were gasps from the crowd when the sheet covering the Ajax IFV was pulled. Scott Milne, Vice President & General Manager at GDLS-UK, noted:
“AJAX IFV represents the convergence of sovereign innovation, strategic foresight, and industrial strength. It’s not just a platform—it’s a product of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy and a direct response to the Strategic Defence Review’s call for adaptable, export-ready capability. Designed, built and supported in Britain, AJAX IFV will contribute to the British Army’s 10x lethality through advanced digital integration and modularity, enabling NATO-first operations with unmatched interoperability.”
The vehicles boast a number of new features including composite rubber tracks, which are designed to reduce vibration and noise across various terrain. As well as this ‘Blackjax’ has integrated the Modular Integrated Protection System (MIPS), a modified turret allowing gun elevation up to 85-degrees to allow for an improved arc of fire for its 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (CTAS) cannon. 40mm CTAS can use programmable airburst ammunition which combined with its increased elevation capabilities enables a short range air defense role.
The Ajax IFV and ‘Blackjax’ demonstrator unveilings comes in the wake of comments made by former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace just 2 days ago, ahead of DSEI, who stated: “Ajax was a ridiculous project. Over priced and the very worst of indecision and capability. We should have just bought CV90 all those years ago!”
The comment is just one of many statements made about Ajax during its storied development and integration into British Army service over its 8 year production schedule.