🔥 Trending US Navy Explores Return to Steam Catapults on Aircraft Carriers

Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Return to Steam Catapults on Aircraft Carriers

As of August 13, 2026, former President Donald Trump has issued a directive ordering the U.S. Navy to abandon the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on its aircraft carriers and revert to the use of traditional steam catapults ¹²³. This move comes after nearly a decade of Trump's vocal criticism regarding the modern electromagnetic systems ⁴.

Background of the Decision

The decision to switch back to steam catapults marks a significant shift in naval technology and policy. The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), developed by General Atomics, was selected by the Navy in 2009 ⁹¹. At the time, the Navy stated that EMALS would offer several advantages, including lower overall lifecycle costs, reduced maintenance requirements compared to steam catapults, and less physical stress on carrier-based aircraft ¹.

However, Trump has consistently expressed his preference for steam catapults, arguing that the EMALS technology is unproven and unreliable ⁸. He has previously claimed that the Navy spent $993 million attempting to make the electromagnetic catapults work, characterizing this as wasteful spending ¹⁰. His concerns also extended to the reliability of EMALS, stating that when it breaks down, it requires highly specialized expertise to repair ¹⁰.

Key Directives and Implications

The order, confirmed by a White House official, includes several key provisions:

• Return to Steam Catapults: The primary directive is to remove the electromagnetic catapult system and install steam catapults on future aircraft carriers, specifically mentioning plans for the upcoming USS Doris Miller, the fourth Gerald Ford-class carrier ⁵⁶⁷.
• Establishment of a New Shipyard: The memo also calls for the creation of a new, fifth public shipyard. This shipyard is intended to address submarine repair delays and enhance the Navy's maintenance capabilities ²³.
• Component Repair Center: In conjunction with the new shipyard, a new component repair center will be established, aiming to further reduce delays in submarine maintenance ²³.

Reactions and Future Outlook

The directive has been met with mixed reactions. While Trump's supporters view it as a move to prioritize proven technology and reduce wasteful spending, naval officers have reportedly expressed opposition to the change ⁶. The shift back to steam catapults is likely to incur additional costs and potential delays in carrier construction and modernization ⁸. The long-term implications for naval readiness, technological advancement, and defense spending remain to be seen.