United States President Donald Trump issued a national security memorandum on August 13, 2026, ordering the US Navy to strip advanced electromagnetic launch and weapon systems from future aircraft carriers and return to traditional steam and hydraulic catapults, according to reports from AFP, Reuters, and AP. The presidential directive targets the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier, the USS Doris Miller, which is scheduled for completion in 2034. According to the Wall Street Journal, the mandated shift back to older technology is expected to cost billions of dollars, increase maintenance requirements, and demand larger ship crews.
Why Trump Is Targeting Electromagnetic Launch Systems on Ford-Class Carriers
According to Reuters and AP, Trump’s directive aims to fix long-standing manufacturing and repair issues within the maritime industrial base. Trump has criticized EMALS since his first term in office in 2017, asserting that the electromagnetic system lacks the power of older steam catapults. The White House memo states that continuous design changes by the Navy have driven up costs, caused delays, and hurt shipbuilding capacity.
Cost and Schedule Risks Warned by General Atomics
General Atomics, the manufacturer contracted to build the EMALS units, stated that the decision to halt the electromagnetic system on the USS Doris Miller “needs to be carefully reconsidered,” according to AFP and AP. Reuters reported that work on the launch catapults and arresting gear for the USS Doris Miller is already halfway complete. General Atomics warned via email that altering the ship’s design at this stage introduces significant financial, schedule, and integration risks. Unlike the USS Doris Miller, the first three ships in the class—the USS Gerald R. Ford, the USS John F. Kennedy, and the future USS Enterprise—will not be affected by the order and will retain their advanced systems.
Lawmaker Criticism and Global Military Trends
Senator Mary Kelly criticized the directive as unnecessary interference in naval operations, according to AFP. Kelly, a retired Navy fighter pilot, former astronaut, and aeronautical engineering graduate, stated that despite his flight deck experience, he would not dictate how the Navy designs its ship systems. Meanwhile, international navies are moving in the opposite direction. According to AP and AFP, China’s newest aircraft carriers utilize electromagnetic catapults, and France has announced plans to incorporate the technology on its future aircraft carrier builds.
Did You Know?
According to reports from Reuters and AP, the US Navy has maintained global maritime dominance since World War II, but recent conflicts—including operations against Iran—have strained aging fleets and complicated long procurement cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which aircraft carrier is the first to be affected by Trump’s order?
The USS Doris Miller, which is the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier scheduled for completion in 2034, is the first ship targeted by the directive.
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What systems are being replaced on the carriers?
According to the White House memorandum, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Weapons Elevators will be replaced with steam and hydraulic systems.
How do other countries view electromagnetic launch technology?
While the US considers rolling back the technology, China’s latest aircraft carriers use electromagnetic catapults, and France plans to adopt the system for its future carriers.
What was the reaction from the manufacturer?
General Atomics stated that stopping the installation of EMALS on the USS Doris Miller carries substantial cost, schedule, and integration risks because work on the ship is already halfway finished.
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