President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Navy to remove the advanced electromagnetic launch system from its newest aircraft carriers and return to using steam catapults, a system he has publicly favored. The directive, issued on Thursday, marks a reversal of recent modernization efforts and could cost billions of dollars. The move is expected to revert the Navy’s most advanced ships to a less efficient and more labor-intensive system.
The decision comes as the U.S. Continues to face competition from nations like China and France, which have adopted the electromagnetic launch technology. Trump has long expressed a preference for steam catapults, citing their reliability and familiarity. The shift may impact the Navy’s operational capabilities and maintenance requirements.
Separately, Trump announced tariffs of up to 100 percent on imported drones and their components, aiming to reduce U.S. Reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in an industry dominated by China. These measures reflect broader trade policies targeting technological imports.
The Navy’s return to steam catapults has raised questions about the long-term strategic implications for U.S. Military readiness and innovation.
