Trump orders Navy to return to older system of launching jets off aircraft carriers
Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to reverse course on modernization, ordering the service to return to older steam catapult technology for launching
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Trump Orders Navy to Return to Steam Catapults on Aircraft Carriers
Poinews.com – Donald Trump has directed the US Navy to reverse course on modernization, ordering the service to return to older steam catapult technology for launching fighter jets from its newest aircraft carriers. The presidential memo, issued Thursday, commands the Pentagon and Navy leadership to submit implementation plans within two months. This directive marks a significant shift away from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, which has been installed on Ford-class vessels.
The decision to have the Navy return to steam-powered systems carries substantial financial implications, with costs expected to reach billions of dollars. Steam catapults require more crew members to operate and present greater maintenance challenges compared to their electromagnetic counterparts. Despite these drawbacks, Trump has consistently advocated for the traditional approach since his first term, when he told Time magazine the new technology “doesn’t have the power” of steam systems.
Implementation Timeline and Affected Ships
The USS Doris Miller, the fourth vessel in the Ford-class series, will serve as the testbed for this transition. This designation leaves the original USS Gerald R. Ford, along with the upcoming USS John F. Kennedy and USS Enterprise, unaffected by the immediate changes. The Navy must now navigate the complex process of retrofitting an already-commissioned ship with a fundamentally different launch mechanism.
While Trump seeks to roll back electromagnetic technology, international competitors are moving in the opposite direction. China’s newest aircraft carriers utilize electromagnetic catapults, and France has announced plans to incorporate the same system into its future carrier fleet. This divergence highlights the strategic considerations behind the administration’s decision to have the Navy return to proven methods.
EMALS technology has demonstrated measurable improvements aboard the USS Ford, reducing the crew needed to operate catapults from approximately twelve sailors to just two. However, General Atomics, the manufacturer of EMALS, has cautioned that abandoning the system on the Doris Miller introduces significant risks. The company noted that work on the ship’s catapults and arresting gear was already halfway complete, warning that changing course now could trigger cost overruns and schedule delays.
The timing of this directive coincides with critical congressional deliberations on military funding. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently estimated that ongoing operations have cost $37.5 billion, with Republicans preparing a $95 billion supplemental package. These financial discussions occur alongside Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, which the administration characterizes as a generational investment in military capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMALS and why is it being replaced? EMALS stands for Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. It uses magnetic technology rather than steam to launch aircraft from carrier decks. Trump orders Navy to return to steam catapults because he believes the older system provides more reliable power and has been proven over decades of service.
Which aircraft carriers will be affected by this change? The USS Doris Miller will be the first to receive steam catapults. The USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy, and USS Enterprise will continue operating with EMALS technology for the foreseeable future.
How much will this transition cost? While exact figures are still being calculated, the transition is expected to cost billions of dollars. General Atomics has warned that changing course now could introduce additional integration risks beyond the base retrofit costs.
When will Congress vote on related funding? The Senate is expected to act when it returns in September. The House has already narrowly approved both the supplemental war funding and the broader defense budget package.
How does this compare to international carriers? This decision places the US Navy at odds with global trends. China’s newest carriers use electromagnetic catapults, and France plans to equip its next-generation carrier with the same advanced technology.
