Trump Orders Steam Catapults for New Aircraft Carrier 2026

President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to replace the modern electromagnetic launch system with old-fashioned steam catapults, a move that could affect naval aviation for decades. The directive, signed as a national security memorandum, targets the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class carrier already two years behind schedule. This decision underscores Trump's long-standing preference for proven steam technology over what he calls the overly complex digital system.

Why Trump Wants Steam Catapults Over Electromagnetic Launch Systems

Trump's opposition to the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) dates back to at least 2017, when he first described his conversation with a navy officer to Time magazine. He has repeatedly criticized EMALS as too complicated, costly, and unreliable compared to the steam catapults used on older carriers. In his 2017 interview, Trump said, "You have to be Albert Einstein to figure it out," and insisted that steam was the superior choice. His memorandum gives Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao 60 days to draft a plan for replacing EMALS and advanced weapons elevators with steam and hydraulic systems.

The decision is controversial among naval engineers and defense analysts. EMALS was designed to launch heavier aircraft more smoothly and require less maintenance than steam systems. However, Trump's directive prioritizes his personal conviction over technical consensus, potentially delaying the USS Doris Miller further and increasing costs. The carrier is already over budget, and retrofitting a new design mid-construction could add billions to the price tag.

Comparing Steam Catapults and Electromagnetic Launch Systems

To understand the implications, it's helpful to compare the two technologies. Below is a table highlighting key differences:

This table shows that while steam is simpler and cheaper upfront, EMALS offers operational advantages that modern naval strategy may require. Trump's order, however, reverses this progress, aligning with his belief that "digital" is inherently flawed.

Political and Operational Implications of the Directive

Trump's memorandum is not just a technical decision; it's a political statement. By overriding the Navy's plans, he signals that his judgment trumps expert opinion. The 60-day deadline for a redesign plan suggests urgency, but the actual implementation could take years. The USS Doris Miller, named after a Black sailor who heroically served in Pearl Harbor, is expected to be a symbol of modern naval power. Redesigning it to use steam may be seen as a step backward by some, but Trump's supporters view it as a return to proven reliability.

Naval officers have expressed mixed reactions. Some veterans prefer steam because they understand its mechanics, while younger officers are trained on EMALS. The transition could require retraining and new infrastructure, adding to the logistical burden. Moreover, the cost of reverting to steam is estimated to be significant, as the ship's design would need to be altered, and new steam generation systems installed.

Key Takeaways from the Order

• Trump signed a national security memorandum to replace EMALS with steam catapults on the USS Doris Miller.
• The Pentagon has 60 days to produce a plan for the redesign.
• This move could delay the carrier further and increase costs.
• Steam catapults are older but simpler, while EMALS is more advanced but complex.
• The decision reflects Trump's personal preference over military recommendations.

What This Means for the Future of Aircraft Carriers

The decision sets a precedent for how future carriers will be built. If the USS Doris Miller is retrofitted with steam, it may be the last Ford-class carrier to use this technology, or it could signal a broader shift. Defense analysts are watching closely to see if other carriers, like the USS Gerald R. Ford, will also be modified. The Ford-class was designed to be the most advanced carrier class, but Trump's order undermines that vision.

In the long term, this could affect the Navy's ability to project power. Steam catapults are limited in the weight of aircraft they can launch, which might restrict the use of heavier drones or future fighter jets. EMALS was developed to accommodate these emerging technologies. By reverting to steam, the Navy might be locking itself into older capabilities just as adversaries are advancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

In conclusion, Trump's order to revert to steam catapults is a bold move that could reshape naval aviation. While it aligns with his long-held views, it raises questions about cost, capability, and the future of carrier design. As the Pentagon works on the plan, the debate between tradition and innovation continues.

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