The minister added that investigation teams must be given “time and space required to ensure all information and evidence is considered” and that he had met with the vehicle’s builder General Dynamics last week.

Responding to the announcement, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens told the BBC the most important thing was to “make sure that equipment that’s being supplied is safe”.

“The government has undertaken a review,” she said.

“There are several reviews going on into the problems that have been reported.

“I can’t really comment whilst those reviews are underway, but I’m very conscious that General Dynamics is a very important employer in Wales, and particularly in the constituency in Merthyr Tydfil.

“So we’ll wait and see what happens with the review. But absolutely paramount to this is that the equipment that is provided is safe for use.”

Merthyr Tydfil MP Gerald Jones said: “There is a dedicated and committed workforce at Merthyr Tydfil and I have asked the minister to meet with me, the staff and trade unions at the earliest opportunity to offer whatever reassurance he can to protect these skilled jobs that are so important across our region.”

The multi-million pound Ajax vehicles, made in Merthyr Tydfil by General Dynamics, were originally due to enter service in 2017, delivering 589 vehicles.

The £6.3bn programme has been beset by problems and repeated delays, as noise and vibration have injured soldiers who have tested the vehicles.

Pollard previously said he was “disgusted” that soldiers were injured after he had been assured the armoured vehicles were safe.

There are currently three investigations ongoing, by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch, the Army’s safety investigation team and a ministerial review.

Regular meetings have also been held between the minister, chief of general staff, the Army and officials, according to the statement.

The BBC understands General Dynamics representatives have also met with backbench MPs in recent days.

MPs have previously raised concerns about uncertainty around the programme having an impact on jobs in their constituencies.

Pollard said findings from the investigations into Ajax vehicles would impact on decisions in the UK government’s defence investment plan.

Earlier this week Defence Secretary John Healey said “programmes beset by deep-running failures, such as Ajax” had delayed the publication of the plan, which was due in the autumn.

It was supposed to map out the spending needed to overhaul the armed forces, but will now be delayed to 2026.