The British Army is examining potential weapon options for the Ares armoured vehicle as part of a wider programme assessing how elements of its armoured fleet could be equipped with enhanced lethality. In a written parliamentary answer, Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed that the Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess possible capability upgrades, including the consideration of medium-calibre cannon options, the UK Defence Journal understands. Responding to a question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty on whether the Northrop Grumman M230LF dual-feed Bushmaster chain gun was being assessed for Ares, Pollard said the weapon was one of several systems under consideration. Ministers have confirmed that the programme is now under formal reassessment following long-running technical and safety issues, including problems related to noise and vibration. Initial Operating Capability for Ajax has been withdrawn, programme governance has been reset, and responsibility has been removed from the Army, with a new Senior Responsible Owner appointed to oversee the review..