Trump orders steam catapults, but US Navy keeps EMALS alive

AI Summary

US President Trump has ordered a switch back to steam catapults for new aircraft carriers, despite ongoing contracts to develop Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch Systems (EMALS). This decision impacts the USS Doris Miller and contrasts with China’s adoption of electromagnetic technology in its naval fleet.

In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump has directed the Navy to switch back to steam catapults for new aircraft carriers. This retracement comes even as contracts are being awarded to enhance the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System. With substantial work already in progress on USS Doris Miller, reintroducing steam catapults may complicate design and operational aspects of modern carriers, particularly as China embraces electromagnetic technology on its new fleet.