President Donald Trump has signed a national security memorandum directing the US Navy to abandon the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) on the upcoming aircraft carrier Doris Miller, reverting to traditional steam catapults. The White House confirmed the decision on Thursday, marking a significant shift in naval aviation technology.
Targeting the Doris Miller and Cost Implications
The directive specifically applies to the Doris Miller, the fourth vessel planned under the Gerald R. Ford class of aircraft carriers. While the first three ships in this class are equipped with EMALS, the Doris Miller will now use the older steam-powered launch system. According to Reuters, the keel for the Doris Miller is scheduled to be laid before the end of 2026, with delivery expected in early 2034. The design reversal is projected to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.
Huntington Ingalls, the primary contractor for Ford-class carriers, saw its shares rise slightly in after-hours trading following the announcement.
Trump's Longstanding Criticism of EMALS
Trump has repeatedly questioned the value of the electromagnetic system, arguing it costs too much and underperforms. Speaking at a defence summit in Pennsylvania last month, he said: "Billions of dollars more they spent on electric catapults and they're not good. They're not nearly as good, too complex."
The Navy originally selected EMALS in 2009, citing lower long-term running costs, reduced maintenance demands compared to steam systems, and less physical wear on aircraft. France's navy also adopted the technology. Although the system encountered problems early on, Pentagon documents show the USS Gerald R. Ford had completed 36,863 EMALS launches as of March 2026.
General Atomics Challenges the Reversal
General Atomics, the company that manufactures EMALS, pushed back against the decision. In a statement, it said the move warranted "careful reconsideration," adding: "With nearly 50% of production complete, changing course now would introduce significant cost, schedule, and integration risks." The Navy directed all requests for comment to the White House.
Beyond the catapult change, Trump's memorandum also marks a notable shift in US shipbuilding policy by allowing foreign companies to construct Navy vessels. Under the new rules, foreign shipbuilders that have made what the memo describes as "substantial and durable investments" in US shipyards will be temporarily permitted to build up to two ships each at their home facilities, to help fill delivery gaps on a faster timeline alongside ships built domestically.
The announcement follows a separate development this week in which Australian shipbuilder Austal disclosed that South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group had offered to buy its US operations for up to $1.2 billion. Trump's memorandum also instructed the Secretary of Defence to plan for a fifth Navy shipyard, intended to expand the country's capacity to repair submarines and aircraft carriers.
