On the 13th, US President Trump signed a national security memorandum, ordering the US Navy to abandon the electromagnetic catapult system in the construction of the newest aircraft carrier and switch back to the old-fashioned steam catapult system.
The White House indicated this design change will apply to the fourth Ford-class aircraft carrier, the "Miller," which is currently under construction. The first three Ford-class carriers will retain the electromagnetic catapult system. The "Miller" is expected to be delivered in early 2034.
The memorandum requires the Pentagon and the US Navy to submit a plan to remove the electromagnetic catapult system to Trump within 60 days.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the electromagnetic catapult system used by the US Navy, saying it is more expensive and less effective than the steam catapult system.
US media pointed out that this change may cost several billion dollars.
Currently, the "Ford" is the only in-service aircraft carrier using the electromagnetic catapult system. The other two Ford-class carriers are still under construction.