Full Breakdown
Trump Orders Navy to Replace Electromagnetic Launch Systems with Steam Catapults
8/14/2026, 4:57:03 AM
Reversal of Electromagnetic Launch Plans
President Donald Trump signed a national-security memorandum directing the U.S. Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS) from the forthcoming USS Doris Miller and all subsequent carriers. The order would retain EMALS on three Ford-class carriers already under construction but require a return to traditional steam catapults for the new hull and future vessels. The Wall Street Journal reported that officials expect the change to add billions of dollars to the program’s cost.
Background of the EMALS Initiative
The Gerald R. Ford class introduced EMALS as a modern alternative to steam, promising greater launch flexibility and reduced maintenance. Trump has expressed skepticism of the technology for nearly a decade, recalling a 2017 interview with *Time* in which he urged a return to “good-old steam” after a sailor praised the legacy system. At a recent Pennsylvania conference, he described EMALS as “not nearly as good” and “too complex.”
White House Position
The statement was provided to the Wall Street Journal.
Industry and Analyst Reactions
Defense analyst Bryan Clark of the Hudson Institute countered that electric launch systems are more reliable and cited early Navy data indicating that steam-powered carriers cost roughly $100 million more per year to operate than the newer electric-powered Ford-class ships.
Projected Cost and Operational Impact
Analysts note that reverting to steam catapults is expected to raise the overall carrier program budget by billions of dollars. The change also raises questions about long-term operational efficiency, given the higher annual operating costs associated with steam-based launch systems.
