Trump Orders Ford-Class Carriers to Ditch Electromagnetic Catapults for Steam Systems

President Donald Trump has directed that future Ford-class aircraft carriers abandon the advanced electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS) in favor of traditional steam catapults. The directive, detailed in a national security memorandum signed on March 13, mandates that the fourth Ford-class carrier, the Doris Miller, and subsequent vessels be redesigned to incorporate steam catapult technology. This shift is expected to impact carriers entering service around 2034.

The move positions the U.S. against the global trend, as China has already equipped its latest aircraft carrier with EMALS, and France plans to do the same for its future vessels. Trump's preference for steam catapults dates back to his first term, when he expressed his inclination in a 2017 interview with Time magazine. However, his directive has met resistance from Navy and industry leaders. They cite the significant expense and complexity involved in modifying the Ford-class carriers, which were specifically designed and built for EMALS.

Trump reiterated his concerns about the performance and complexity of electromagnetic catapults during a meeting in Pennsylvania last month. Beyond the catapult system, the national security memorandum also calls for enhanced submarine maintenance and repair, and the promotion of foreign investment in the U.S. shipbuilding sector, aligning with the Navy's goal of expanding its fleet. The memorandum also addresses improvements in submarine maintenance and repair, and encourages foreign investment in U.S. shipbuilding to support fleet expansion.

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The most eye-catching part is that future aircraft carriers will abandon the most advanced electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS), the global trend, and re-adopt steam catapults.