The short version
- President Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to abandon the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on future Ford-class carriers in favor of older steam catapult technology.
- The decision impacts ongoing shipyard operations and represents a significant reversal in naval engineering strategy, potentially costing billions in wasted investment and retrofitting.
- Reports indicate this is part of a broader pattern of policy shifts, including the designation of a fifth public shipyard, signaling a departure from previous administration priorities.
President Donald Trump has issued a directive ordering the U.S. Navy to revert to steam catapult systems for launching aircraft from its carriers, effectively abandoning the advanced electromagnetic technology currently being integrated into the Ford-class fleet. The order, reported by multiple outlets on August 13, 2026, marks a sharp departure from the naval modernization strategy established in previous years, which prioritized the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for its efficiency and versatility.
The decision affects future Ford-class carriers, which were designed specifically to utilize EMALS. By mandating a return to steam-powered catapults, the administration is requiring significant engineering changes to vessels that are either under construction or in early stages of deployment. Industry analysts note that this reversal could incur costs amounting to billions of dollars, as resources previously allocated to electromagnetic systems must be redirected or written off.
Breaking Defense reports that the order coincides with other administrative moves, including the designation of a fifth public shipyard. This suggests a broader restructuring of naval procurement and maintenance priorities. The shift away from EMALS raises questions about the long-term operational capabilities of the carrier fleet, particularly regarding the ability to launch lighter unmanned aerial vehicles and heavier manned aircraft with greater precision than steam systems allow.
The Wall Street Journal highlights the financial implications of the directive, noting that the cost of restoring older technology on new hulls is substantial. The Navy had invested heavily in developing EMALS, which uses stored electrical energy to propel aircraft off the deck, offering smoother launches and reduced wear on airframes compared to the high-pressure steam used in earlier generations of carriers.
U.S. News & World Report confirms that the order applies specifically to future Ford-class carriers, indicating that existing Nimitz-class carriers, which rely on steam catapults, will remain unaffected. However, the transition for new builds requires retooling shipyards and revising design specifications, a process that could delay deliveries and complicate supply chains already strained by global geopolitical tensions.
Seeking Alpha points out the potential impact on defense contractors involved in EMALS development. Companies that had secured contracts for electromagnetic components may face canceled orders or reduced scopes of work, affecting their revenue projections and stock performance. The market reaction to the news reflects uncertainty about the stability of defense spending priorities under the current administration.
Bloomberg notes that the directive has drawn criticism from naval experts who argue that steam catapults are less reliable and require more maintenance than their electromagnetic counterparts. Critics contend that reverting to older technology undermines the strategic advantage provided by next-generation carrier capabilities, particularly in contested maritime environments where rapid launch rates are critical.
The White House has not provided detailed justification for the reversal beyond general statements about cost-effectiveness and reliability. However, sources close to the administration suggest that concerns over EMALS’ initial technical challenges during testing phases influenced the decision. Proponents of the change argue that steam systems have a proven track record and are easier to repair in combat zones without specialized electromagnetic equipment.
As the Navy begins implementing the new directive, questions remain about how quickly shipyards can adapt to the changes and whether the transition will result in significant delays for Ford-class carrier deployments. The long-term implications for U.S. naval superiority and interoperability with allied forces using similar advanced systems are still being assessed by defense analysts.
This development underscores the volatility of military technology policy under shifting political leadership. While the immediate focus is on the technical and financial adjustments required, the broader significance lies in the message it sends to international partners and adversaries about the consistency of American defense commitments.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- Breaking Defense↗Trump orders return of steam catapults on carriers, fifth public shipyard
- WSJ↗Exclusive | Trump Orders Navy to Restore Older Tech on Aircraft Carriers, Costing Billions
- U.S. News & World Report↗Trump Orders Navy to Abandon Carrier Launch System, Return to Steam Catapults
- Seeking Alpha↗Trump orders Navy to return to steam catapults on future Ford-class carriers (PPA:NYSEARCA)
