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Trump Orders Navy to Restore Steam Catapults on Carriers

Key Takeaways
  • Trump directs Navy to restore steam catapults on aircraft carriers.
  • Move will replace electromagnetic catapult system on Gerald R. Ford class carriers.
  • Change expected to cost billions of dollars.
  • Navy officials have fought the change for years.
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Strategic Implications

This decision may indicate a significant shift in the Navy's technological priorities, which could have implications for the service's modernization efforts. The move suggests a preference for proven, albeit older, technology over newer systems, which may impact the Navy's ability to integrate advanced capabilities in the future.

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What Happened

Multi Billion Dollar Overhaul Of Aircraft Carrier Technology

President Trump has ordered the Navy to replace the electromagnetic catapult system on its aircraft carriers with steam catapults, a move that is expected to cost billions of dollars. The decision, which was made despite years of opposition from Navy officials, will involve tearing out the complex system used by the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers. The change is part of a national security memorandum signed by Trump, according to reports. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: August 13, 2026

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JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS
JUMPSEAT
AEROSPACE NEWS

Trump Orders Navy to Restore Steam Catapults on Carriers

Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • Trump directs Navy to restore steam catapults on aircraft carriers.
  • Move will replace electromagnetic catapult system on Gerald R. Ford class carriers.
  • Change expected to cost billions of dollars.
  • Navy officials have fought the change for years.
Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.
Upgrade
Strategic Implications

This decision may indicate a significant shift in the Navy's technological priorities, which could have implications for the service's modernization efforts. The move suggests a preference for proven, albeit older, technology over newer systems, which may impact the Navy's ability to integrate advanced capabilities in the future.

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.
Upgrade

What Happened

Multi Billion Dollar Overhaul Of Aircraft Carrier Technology

President Trump has ordered the Navy to replace the electromagnetic catapult system on its aircraft carriers with steam catapults, a move that is expected to cost billions of dollars. The decision, which was made despite years of opposition from Navy officials, will involve tearing out the complex system used by the Gerald R. Ford class of carriers. The change is part of a national security memorandum signed by Trump, according to reports. This development was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: August 13, 2026

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