President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to abandon its next-generation Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for future aircraft carriers and return to traditional steam-powered catapults, marking one of the most significant reversals in U.S. naval modernization in years.
The directive, issued through a National Security Memorandum, also authorizes the Navy to temporarily procure certain vessels from allied foreign shipyards—an unprecedented move aimed at addressing America’s growing shipbuilding backlog and strengthening naval readiness.
The decision is expected to reshape the future of the Navy’s Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier program, while sparking debate over costs, technology, and the future direction of the U.S. defense industrial base.
Trump Orders Return to Steam Catapults
Under the memorandum, the Navy’s fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, USS Doris Miller (CVN-81), will no longer receive the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), despite the technology already being installed on the first three ships of the class.
Instead, the vessel will revert to the older steam-powered catapult system, a technology that has launched naval aircraft for decades aboard Nimitz-class carriers.
The design change comes despite the fact that construction work on the Doris Miller is already well underway, with the keel expected to be laid before the end of 2026 and delivery scheduled for 2034.
Defense analysts say redesigning the carrier at this stage could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while potentially delaying construction schedules.
Why Trump Opposes EMALS
Trump has repeatedly criticized the electromagnetic launch system, arguing that it is unnecessarily expensive and overly complicated.
Speaking at a defense summit in Pennsylvania last month, Trump said:
“Billions of dollars more they spent on electric catapults and they’re not good. They’re not nearly as good—too complex.”
The president has long argued that proven mechanical systems are more reliable than advanced electronic alternatives, particularly during combat operations where simplicity and maintainability are critical.
What Is EMALS?
The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), developed by General Atomics, replaces traditional steam catapults with powerful linear electric motors that accelerate aircraft more smoothly along the flight deck.
According to the U.S. Navy, EMALS offers several advantages:
- Reduced stress on aircraft airframes
- Faster launch cycles
- Lower long-term maintenance requirements
- Greater energy efficiency
- Ability to launch both heavy fighter aircraft and lightweight unmanned systems
When the Navy selected EMALS in 2009, officials argued that the technology would reduce lifetime operating costs while improving sortie generation rates.
Although the system experienced reliability problems during early testing, the Navy says those issues have largely been resolved.
As of March 2026, the lead ship USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) had successfully completed 36,863 aircraft launches using EMALS, demonstrating significant operational progress.
General Atomics Warns Against Reversal
General Atomics, which manufactures EMALS, urged the administration to reconsider the decision.
The company noted that production work on the Doris Miller is already nearly 50% complete, warning that changing launch systems at this stage would introduce major engineering and scheduling challenges.
According to the company, replacing EMALS with steam catapults could create:
- Significant redesign costs
- Construction delays
- Integration risks
- Additional taxpayer expenses
The White House has not publicly responded to those concerns.
Huntington Ingalls Remains Primary Builder
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) continues serving as the prime contractor responsible for constructing America’s Ford-class aircraft carriers.
Investors appeared largely unfazed by the announcement, with Huntington Ingalls shares posting modest gains in after-hours trading following the White House announcement.
Trump Opens Door to Overseas Shipbuilding
Beyond aircraft carrier technology, Trump’s memorandum introduces another historic policy change.
For the first time in decades, foreign shipbuilders making substantial investments in American shipyards may be temporarily allowed to construct up to two vessels in overseas facilities before delivering them to the U.S. Navy.
The administration says the measure is intended to rapidly reduce construction delays while domestic shipyards expand capacity.
The move reflects growing concerns inside the Pentagon that the United States is struggling to produce naval vessels quickly enough to meet rising strategic competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
South Korean Companies Could Benefit
The announcement comes amid increasing investment by South Korean defense companies in U.S. shipbuilding.
Earlier this week, Australian shipbuilder Austal disclosed that South Korea’s Hanwha Group had offered up to $1.2 billion to acquire Austal’s U.S. operations.
Defense analysts believe South Korean shipbuilders—widely regarded among the world’s most efficient naval manufacturers—could play a larger role in helping expand American naval production capacity.
Fifth Naval Shipyard Planned
Trump’s memorandum also directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a fifth U.S. Navy public shipyard.
The additional facility would focus on increasing repair and maintenance capacity for:
- Nuclear-powered submarines
- Aircraft carriers
- Major surface combatants
The Pentagon has repeatedly warned that aging infrastructure and limited maintenance capacity have slowed fleet readiness in recent years.
Strategic Significance
Trump’s decisions reflect a broader effort to accelerate naval expansion as the United States seeks to counter China’s rapidly growing People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), now the world’s largest navy by fleet size.
Supporters argue the changes prioritize reliability and faster ship production, while critics contend abandoning EMALS after years of investment could increase costs and undermine long-term modernization.
The policy also highlights Washington’s willingness to leverage allied industrial capacity as it seeks to rebuild the U.S. naval fleet amid increasing geopolitical competition across the Indo-Pacific.
