Trump Orders U.S. Navy to Return to Steam Catapults, Allows Overseas Shipbuilding

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to replace electromagnetic aircraft launch systems with steam catapults on future aircraft carriers.

The White House said Trump signed a national security memorandum directing the change. The decision will affect the fourth Gerald R. Ford-class carrier, Doris Miller.

Change expected to raise costs

The Navy currently uses the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on the first three Ford-class carriers. However, Trump has repeatedly criticised the system as costly and overly complex.

The change is expected to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The keel of the Doris Miller is scheduled to be laid by the end of 2026, with delivery expected in early 2034.

Meanwhile, Huntington Ingalls Industries remains the primary contractor for the Ford-class aircraft carriers. Its shares rose slightly in after-hours trading following the announcement.

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As of March 2026, the USS Gerald R. Ford had completed 36,863 EMALS launches, according to Pentagon documents.

Navy had backed electromagnetic system

The Navy selected EMALS in 2009 as a replacement for traditional steam catapults. Officials said the technology would reduce maintenance needs and lower long-term operating costs.

The system also places less physical stress on aircraft during launches. France has selected EMALS for its future aircraft carrier as well.

However, the technology faced technical problems during its early development. It has since completed thousands of successful launches.

General Atomics, which developed EMALS, urged the administration to reconsider the decision.

The company said changing the system at this stage could create significant cost, scheduling and integration risks.

Trump opens door to foreign shipbuilding

In addition, Trump’s memorandum allows foreign shipbuilders to construct some US Navy vessels overseas.

Foreign companies that have made significant investments in US shipyards may temporarily build up to two ships at their parent facilities. The Navy would then use the vessels to address urgent fleet requirements.

The policy marks a significant shift after decades of relying primarily on domestic shipbuilding.

South Korean conglomerate Hanwha has also offered up to $1.2 billion to acquire Austal’s US operations. The move could expand Hanwha’s presence in the American defence market.

Furthermore, Trump directed the defence secretary to establish a fifth Navy shipyard. The facility would increase the country’s capacity to repair submarines and aircraft carriers.