United StatesThe U.S. Navy faces a potential $131 billion cost to revert to steam-powered aircraft catapults on its newest Ford-class carriers, which were initially designed with advanced electromagnetic systems. President Trump previously criticized the new technology, favoring traditional steam catapults, and formalized this preference in a 2023 memorandum. While the Navy acknowledges challenges with the electromagnetic systems, it claims they now perform better than steam-powered versions, achieving a 120–130% increase in flight operations. However, switching back to steam would require a major redesign of the carriers' infrastructure, akin to replacing a ship's entire circulatory system. The Navy is currently evaluating whether to proceed with such changes for the fourth Ford-class carrier, which was planned to be named after Pearl Harbor hero Doris 'Dorie' Miller.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both perspectives, Trump's preference for steam catapults and the Navy's acknowledgment of the improved performance of electromagnetic systems, without overtly favoring one side. It includes quotes from both the president and military officials, providing balanced context on the $
