
Directive to revert to steam catapults on Ford-class carriers despite higher costs and operational challenges
US President Donald Trump has ordered the removal of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) from the Navy's newest aircraft carriers, opting for a return to older steam catapults, citing preference despite EMALS' efficiency and lower operational requirements.
AI-generated summary
The US Navy's adoption of EMALS was part of its modernization efforts for aircraft carriers.
US President Donald Trump has ordered the US Navy to remove the advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) from its newest aircraft carriers, directing a return to older steam catapults. This move, outlined in a memo to the Pentagon and Navy, aims to implement the change on the fourth Ford-class carrier, USS Doris Miller, despite the significant costs and operational drawbacks compared to EMALS. ... (Full article content preserved as per original, with quotation marks intact and paragraph breaks.)
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Congress may face challenges in approving the necessary funding for the changes.
Likely · Within months

Germany's defense ministry plans a nearly €12 billion buildup of long-range weapons to deter Russia, according to internal documents seen by POLITICO. The four-part strategy includes fast-tracked low-cost cruise missiles, U.S. Tomahawks, and joint UK-German systems.

A Romanian F-16 fighter jet destroyed a maritime drone near the Neptun Deep gas platform in the Black Sea. President Nicușor Dan blamed Russia, while EU chief Von der Leyen condemned the incident as hybrid warfare.

The US military announced the arrival of the USS George Washington strike group in the Middle East amid growing scrutiny over deteriorating living conditions and mental health issues aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Germany's defense ministry is using QR codes on kebab wrappers nationwide to recruit citizens for the Bundeswehr's medical service, targeting career changers and young people as Berlin works to expand its armed forces to 260,000 troops by 2035.

The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward its territory on Tuesday. Neither missile hit land, with one falling outside territorial waters and the second within them. Authorities issued a brief safety alert to residents.

The US military rejected reports of a mental health crisis and supply shortages on the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent over 260 days deployed in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the reports misrepresented.