President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to replace advanced electromagnetic launch systems with traditional steam catapults on future aircraft carriers, starting with the USS Doris Miller. The policy shift risks billions in additional costs and construction delays, as the vessel is already halfway complete.
President Donald Trump has issued a directive ordering the U.S. Navy to scrap the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) in favor of traditional steam-powered catapults and hydraulic weapons elevators for future Ford-class aircraft carriers. The order, which necessitates a transition plan within 60 days, marks a significant reversal in U.S. naval technology policy.
The directive specifically targets the USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), the fourth vessel in the Ford-class series. While the USS Gerald R. Ford, USS John F. Kennedy, and USS Enterprise are reportedly unaffected, the move presents immediate complications for the USS Doris Miller, which is currently under construction. General Atomics, the manufacturer of the EMALS system, has formally warned that since construction on the vessel is already approximately 50% complete, implementing this change will create severe integration risks, schedule slippages, and substantial cost overruns.
Financial and Operational Implications
Returning to steam catapult technology involves more than just changing a launch mechanism; it requires a complete redesign of the ship's power and internal systems. Historically, steam systems are more labor-intensive and require larger crews compared to the automated electromagnetic systems, which were designed specifically to reduce personnel requirements and maintenance overhead. This shift could complicate the Navy's ongoing efforts to manage manpower shortages, as more sailors would be needed to operate and maintain the older legacy systems.
For defense analysts and investors, the primary concern lies in the potential for billions of dollars in cost increases. Changing the design of a ship that is already halfway built requires significant contract renegotiations with primary shipbuilders, such as Huntington Ingalls Industries, which constructs the Ford-class carriers. These adjustments typically result in higher project costs and extended delivery timelines, further straining the defense budget during a period of intense scrutiny over federal spending.
Strategic Tech Divergence
The move also places the U.S. Navy at odds with international trends in naval aviation. While the U.S. is moving toward legacy steam technology, major global naval powers, including China and France, are actively incorporating electromagnetic catapult technology into their own new aircraft carriers. This technological divergence may raise questions about the long-term competitive position of U.S. carrier capabilities.
The immediate focus for stakeholders will be the Pentagon's response to the 60-day deadline. The transition plan will likely detail the expected budgetary impact, construction timeline adjustments, and the feasibility of retrofitting a design that was engineered specifically for magnetic propulsion. Investors and analysts will be monitoring these details to assess the full scale of the financial hit and the potential for long-term operational impacts on the fleet.