A NEW tank developed by Oakdale-based General Dynamics has been unveiled in London.

In September last year it was announced General Dynamics won a £3.5 billion deal to make 589 SCOUT specialist vehicles for the British Army.

It was the biggest single contract for armoured fighting vehicles for the army since the 1980s and safeguarded 1,300 UK jobs. The tanks are to be used by the army from 2017.

Yesterday, the Gwent company unveiled the new variant of its tank developed under its SCOUT specialist vehicle programme which was renamed AJAX, after a Greek hero noted for his strength and courage.

General Dynamics showcased four tanks at its stand at the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition in London on Tuesday.

The four platforms, including an AJAX prototype, an Ocelot (‘Foxhound’), an EAGLE and a Light Armoured Vehicle Demonstrator, are all currently in-service or in the final stages of development before delivery to the customer.

The new AJAX prototype is described as a vehicle with “best-in-class protection and survivability, reliability and mobility and all-weather intelligence”.

Kevin Connell, vice president of General Dynamics Land Systems UK, said: “General Dynamics has unrivalled experience in the delivery of Armoured Fighting Vehicles, which is showcased here at DSEI.

“Our range of platforms enables General Dynamics Land Systems to deliver a solution to meet the multitude of different requirements of customers around the world.”