The White House has released the full text of a memorandum from Donald Trump to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering a change in the construction of a new US Navy aircraft carrier, replacing the electromagnetic aircraft launch system with steam catapults. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The president's supposed belief in the superiority of steam catapults for launching fighter jets has been an obsession since 2017, when, he says, he was convinced by a single conversation with a Navy officer that the electromagnetic system installed in modern aircraft carriers was too complex.
The presidential memorandum, titled "Rebuilding the United States Navy and America's Shipbuilding Industrial Base," claims to address "a series of shipbuilding setbacks stemming from overly complex designs" for US Navy ships.
Section 2 of the memo includes the order to change the construction of the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class aircraft carrier known as CVN-81, which is already two years behind schedule:
"Sec. 2. Restoring Steam and Hydraulic Systems to Carriers. Within 60 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of War, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy, shall provide to the President, through the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), a plan on the required measures to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Weapons Elevators with steam and hydraulic systems for the construction of CVN-81, including timelines and resourcing requirements."
This decision continues debates over complex technologies in military shipbuilding. Critics argue that such a change could slow the development of modern navies, while supporters say simpler systems increase reliability.
This move by the Trump administration could directly affect technological decisions on new US Navy ships. Issues with the delay and cost of the USS Doris Miller are also in focus.
After the full text of the memorandum was published, official comments from the Pentagon and the White House are expected. It remains unclear how this decision will affect future Navy projects.
This order from the US president is drawing mixed reactions from international military experts. Some experts note that steam catapults are a proven technology, while the electromagnetic system is still undergoing testing.
However, modern navies are striving to implement electromagnetic launch systems because they offer greater flexibility and efficiency in managing the aircraft launch process. Trump's decision may contradict this trend.
Currently, most active US Navy carriers use steam catapults, but new Ford-class ships are equipped with the electromagnetic system. This change could further delay the construction of the new ship.
As stated in the memorandum, the Secretary of War must present a plan within 60 days. What this plan will be and how it will be implemented remains unknown.
This step by Trump demonstrates his tendency to make independent decisions in the military sphere. He has previously issued orders to make changes to military projects.
Some members of the US Congress have expressed concern about this decision, saying it could negatively affect combat readiness. However, no official objections have been published yet.
This event is being widely discussed in global media. Many experts are trying to assess the impact of this decision on the future of the US Navy.
In conclusion, Trump's order marks a significant change in US Navy policy regarding the use of new technologies. Time will tell whether this change is justified.