Bloomberg
• Anthony Capaccio
President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) from the future USS Doris Miller, the fourth Ford-class carrier, and revert to steam catapults. The decision risks additional cost and schedule delays for the carrier program after years of EMALS development.
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President Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to restore an older aircraft-carrier launch technology, a reversal expected to cost billions of dollars. The decision would affect the fleet’s approach to launching aircraft and reopen questions about procurement priorities, transition costs and the performance of newer systems.
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President Donald Trump has directed the U.S. Navy to remove the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) from the future USS Doris Miller, the fourth Ford-class carrier, and revert to steam catapults. The decision risks additional cost and schedule delays for the carrier program after years of EMALS development.
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President Donald Trump has directed the Navy to remove the complex aircraft-launch system installed on its carriers and return to steam catapults. Navy officials have opposed the change for years, and the retrofit is expected to cost billions of dollars.
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The Pentagon says President Donald Trump’s $185 billion Golden Dome missile-defense initiative has established its first operational site at Fort Story, Virginia, and completed two key tests. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein warned that without continued funding—and a solution to a potential 2027 cliff—the program will stop.
RTX CEO Chris Calio said defense executives remain confident in Pentagon spending prospects despite uncertainty over the mechanics and topline of the fiscal 2027 budget. In a July earnings call, Calio cited bipartisan congressional support for increased munitions funding as lawmakers consider future allocations.
Australia’s new 10-year defense technology strategy identifies the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, artificial intelligence and quantum systems as national priorities. The plan signals where Canberra intends to concentrate defense technology development and capability investment over the coming decade.
The Government Accountability Office warns that the U.S. Air Force’s effort to modernize the B-52 Stratofortress has become a roughly $21 billion program facing cost growth and schedule risks, raising questions about execution of the bomber’s long-term upgrade plan.
Gen. Greg Gagnon, head of Space Force Combat Forces Command, said key mission areas face a serious shortage of simulators needed to train Guardians. The new $981 million procurement pool is intended to expand access to training capabilities across the service.
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