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France keeps EMALS for future carrier as Trump orders U.S. Navy back to steam catapults

France says it will retain the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) for its future France Libre aircraft carrier, despite President Trump’s order to replace EMALS with steam catapults on the USS Doris Miller and potentially other Ford-class carriers. Paris says the U.S. shift poses no technical or industrial risk to its program.

Discovered 2026-08-16T20:32:22.947055-07:00 | 2026-08-16T20:32:22.947055-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The U.S. decision reopens a major carrier technology choice: electromagnetic launch systems versus legacy steam catapults, with potential implications for Ford-class redesign and procurement.
France’s decision to retain EMALS signals continued confidence in the system and preserves alignment with its planned France Libre carrier, despite the U.S. policy reversal.
Any change to the USS Doris Miller and broader Ford-class design could affect carrier architecture, industrial planning and the future demand outlook for competing launch technologies.

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