President Donald Trump announced Thursday that future U.S. Navy aircraft carriers will once again use older catapult models to launch aircraft, reversing course on a modern electromagnetic system he has repeatedly criticized. The directive marks a significant technological backtrack that defense analysts say could cost billions of dollars and delay delivery of the next-generation carrier fleet.The announcement, framed by the White House as an effort to “correct long-term problems in Navy shipbuilding and repair programs,” comes amid growing scrutiny of the U.S. naval industrial base. Recent conflicts, including the war in Iran, have exposed vulnerabilities stemming from aging vessels and extended supply delays.
Presidential Memo Cites ‘Atrophied’ Shipbuilding Base
In a national security memorandum, Trump described “an atrophied naval shipbuilding industrial base” that he argued has made warship construction and repair both and more expensive. The document directs the Pentagon to replace Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS) with hydraulic and steam-powered alternatives.The first carrier affected will be the USS Doris Miller, a next-generation nuclear-powered vessel scheduled for delivery in 2034. The ship was originally designed to feature the electromagnetic launch system developed by General Atomics.
Multi-Billion Dollar Price Tag
>Bryan Clark, a researcher at the Hudson Institute, told the Wall Street Journal that catapult systems on the Doris Miller alone would cost billions of dollars. The change would require significant redesign work on a ship already under construction, potentially pushing back its delivery timeline.
>General Atomics, the defense contractor awarded the original contract for the electromagnetic catapults, said the decision to change systems “merits carefulation.”
Bipartisan Criticism Emerges
Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut Navy officer, sharply criticized the president’s directive on social media. “I’ve launched off the front of aircraft carriers hundreds of times, have a’s degree in aeronautical engineering, and am a test pilot — and even I wouldn’t to the Navy how to engineer specific systems its ships,” Kelly wrote on X.
The Arizona Democrat added: “Donald Trump should stick to what he knows best.”
International Context
The decision puts the United States at odds with other naval powers. China has already deployed catapult technology on its newest aircraft carrier, and France has announced plans to incorporate similar systems on its future carriers. Critics argue the move couldede technological advantage to strategic competitors.
Trump has voiced opposition to electromagnetic launch systems since at least 2017, when he Time magazine the technology was “not good” and lacked the power of steam catapults. His latest directive also authorizes the Pentagon to award contracts short-term purchases from foreign suppliers to accelerate construction timelines.
Naval analysts note that steam catapults, while proven over decades service, require more maintenance personnel and are less efficient at launching modern aircraft with varying weights. The electromagnetic system was designed to provide smoother acceleration, reduce stress on airframes, and lower long-term operating costs.
