Trump orders refit of aircraft carriers: catapults to be replaced by more modern system

Technical background of the refit

A spokesperson justified the measure with reference to a technical detail: "If I can retrofit these components so they run on electricity instead of steam, all steam-carrying mechanical parts are eliminated." On older carriers, steam is also used for heating and for generating fresh water.

The costs for implementing the order are estimated to be in the billions based on current projections. The US Navy currently operates a fleet of aircraft carriers, some of which are still equipped with conventional steam catapults. The refit of each individual ship requires extensive shipyard work that can drag on for years.

Expert Bryan Clark, who specializes in naval warfare issues, had pointed out in earlier statements that the switch from steam- to electric-powered systems is fundamentally sensible, as modern carriers such as the Ford class already use the corresponding technology. However, the subsequent refit of older ships is significantly more complex than installing them in new builds.

Impact on the shipyard industry

Observers of the US defense market see the order as also strengthening the domestic shipyard industry, as the refit work is expected to be carried out at naval shipyards in the United States. Companies such as Hanwha, which have invested heavily in the US market in recent years, could also receive orders in the ship technology sector.

The political rationale for the order points out that modernizing the fleet is intended to safeguard the Navy's operational capability in the long term. Critics, on the other hand, argue that the funds could perhaps be used more efficiently elsewhere given other urgent procurement projects.

The timetable for implementation is so far unclear. The Navy must now develop a concept for how the affected carriers can be gradually refitted without jeopardizing the fleet's operational readiness. The exact order of the ships has also not yet been determined.

Political assessment and criticism

Among the affected ships are carriers such as the USS Doris Miller, which recently commenced operations. The naming explicitly referenced the African-American Navy hero of the Second World War who served in the US Navy.

The order follows a pattern that Trump has also pursued in other areas of defense policy: he intervenes directly in procurement decisions that are traditionally made by the Navy and the Department of Defense. This has repeatedly led to tensions with the military leadership in the past.

Open questions and timetable

Industry insiders assume that the costs could ultimately turn out to be significantly higher than previously assumed, as unforeseen technical problems can arise during the refit. In addition, crews must be trained on the new systems, which incurs additional personnel costs.

The next steps now lie with the Pentagon, which must work out the details of implementation. Observers in Washington and New York expect that it will still take months before concrete budget requests and timetables are available. Until then, it remains unclear how many carriers will actually be refitted and what financial resources Congress will approve.