Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump doubts EM catapult; Navy reviews Ford-class carriers

4/26/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Center

Trump Questions Catapult

U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 questioned the reliability of the carriers’ electromagnetic catapult if water contacts the magnets.
Navy Secretary John Phelan left office Wednesday after announcing a review of the future Ford-class carriers CVN-82 and CVN-83.
CVN-82 (USS William J. Clinton) targets 2034 procurement.
FY2027 budget includes $65.8 billion for shipbuilding and CVN-83 (USS George W. Bush) 2040 delivery.

Right

Navy Defends Carriers

Senior Navy officials stress carriers remain vital to U.S. power projection despite rising costs and technical concerns for national security.
The U.S. Navy is reviewing its future Ford-class carrier force, with findings due in 2026.
The review will examine long-term sustainment costs and the electromagnetic launch system’s performance.
Ford-class ships cost over $13 billion each and have suffered catapult and weapons-elevator delays.

1 of 2

Trump Questions Catapult

U.S. President Donald Trump in 2025 questioned the reliability of the carriers’ electromagnetic catapult if water contacts the magnets.
Navy Secretary John Phelan left office Wednesday after announcing a review of the future Ford-class carriers CVN-82 and CVN-83.
CVN-82 (USS William J. Clinton) targets 2034 procurement.
FY2027 budget includes $65.8 billion for shipbuilding and CVN-83 (USS George W. Bush) 2040 delivery.

1 / 2