The participants cite figures of roughly £5 billion spent by March 2025, a £6.3 billion budget associated with 2015, and around one hundred vehicles in service against an order of 590. They also discuss reports of illness and suspended use. These are figures and reports being recounted in December 2025, without a reconciled programme account. Alex compares the sums with his estimate for an additional Type 45 batch. He nevertheless allows that Ajax could eventually become useful and argues that too many requirements and related projects have accumulated around it.
Notable Point · 4:28:55-4:31:52
Ajax costs, reported illness, and expanding requirements
The cost comparison is qualified by recalled figures, reported faults, and the possibility of eventual improvement.