Armed Forces chiefs “lied” to ministers about defence procurement projects, a former defence secretary has claimed. Ben Wallace , who was in the role between 2019 and 2023, accused senior leaders of “hiding” the true cost of spending projects “for fear of not getting them”.

Mr Wallace made the claims to the Telegraph in a week where it emerged that military leaders had failed to disclose potential issues with the Ajax armoured vehicle before it was signed off to be used by troops. Thirty one soldiers subsequently needed medical attention after spending 10 to 15 hours inside the vehicle, which was delivered six years late and significantly over budget.

Mr Wallace said: “It’s absolutely the case that successive governments and officials are misled by services hiding the true cost

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