- The Pentagon has required the removal of the EMALS system from Ford-class carriers, following prior criticism by Donald Trump.
- Trump ordered the return of steam catapults while General Atomics continues to build the EMALS system for Ford-class carriers.
Navy reviews steam catapult technology amid carrier system debate
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 50%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
The USS Abraham Lincoln used steam catapults in the Arabian Sea on October 1, 2026. This action follows a directive from President Trump in August, who ordered the Navy to investigate returning to older steam catapult technology. The review comes after Trump toured the USS Gerald R. Ford, the newest carrier in the Navy’s fleet.
From livemint.com
Why it matters
The review of older technology is occurring as the USS Gerald R. Ford, which cost about $19 billion, faced delays and budget overruns due to its cutting-edge, unproven systems. This shift in technological preference could influence major defense procurement programs and shipbuilding costs.
President Trump ordered the return of steam catapults while General Atomics continues to build the EMALS system for Ford-class carriers. The Pentagon previously required the removal of the EMALS system from Ford-class carriers following criticism by Donald Trump.
From livemint.com
Who's involved
- BoeingAmerican global aerospace and defense corporation involved in carrier systems.
- Norfolk Naval ShipyardUnited States Navy shipyard in Virginia.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Norfolk Naval ShipyardSpeculative
Might see future maintenance contracts threatened by a shift away from modern technology.