The $30 billion gamble on electromagnetic catapults

The US Navy's decision to adopt electromagnetic catapults on its aircraft carriers has been marked by persistent reliability issues , with hardware and software failures grounding launches for extended periods .

According to reports from the Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, reliability has not improved substantially despite upgrades.

The Navy's evaluation of whether to retain its newer electromagnetic catapults or revert to older steam-powered ones carries significant implications for naval aviation capabilities and strategic advantage.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

China's adoption of electromagnetic catapults on its newest carrier, Fujian, in 2025 highlights the technology's potential, but also underscores the US Navy's concerns about reliability.

The U.S. Navy's decision on whether to persist with EMALS or revert to steam will shape carrier operations for decades.

Original projections suggested a 30% increase over Nimitz-class carriers,though the Pentagon has not confirmed achieving that figure.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The source article does not reveal the identity of the unnamed buyer who has expressed interest in purchasing the USS Gerald R. Ford, which is currently undergoing upgrades.

The sale of the aircraft carrier would be a significant development in the global naval aviation market.

The US Navy's decision on whether to sell the carrier would have significant implications for its naval aviation capabilities and strategic advantage.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation has flagged several issues with the EMALS system, including reliability problems and software failures.

The auditors have also raised concerns about the cost of upgrading the system and the potential impact on carrier operations.

The US Navy's decision on whether to persist with EMALS or revert to steam will shape carrier operations for decades.

The Navy's evaluation of whether to retain its newer electromagnetic catapults or revert to older steam-poered ones carries significant implications for naval aviation capabilities and strategic advantage.