TECHNOLOGY

US Central Command Establishes First Multinational Drone Task Force

PUBLISHED Aug 14, 2026, 12:04 AM ET

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US Central Command Establishes First Multinational Drone Task Force

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 31

Left 16%

Center 68%

Right 16%

Sources: 31

President Donald Trump issued an executive directive commanding the U.S. Navy to remove advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch systems from its newest class of aircraft carriers, returning instead to traditional steam-powered technology. The presidential memorandum directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to submit implementation plans within two months. Under the mandate, the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or EMALS, and electromagnetic weapons elevators on the upcoming USS Doris Miller will be replaced with steam and hydraulic systems. General Atomics, the primary manufacturer of EMALS, stated that component production for the fourth Ford-class carrier is already nearly 50 percent complete, warning that structural changes introduce severe cost overruns and schedule delays. Naval analysts noted that reverting to legacy steam systems requires significant engineering redesigns, increases long-term maintenance burdens, and demands larger operational crews compared to automated electromagnetic configurations.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On July 22, 2017, USS Gerald R. Ford commissioned with electromagnetic catapults.
On October 1, 2024, Navy officials confirmed progress on Ford-class carrier construction.
On August 12, 2026, President Trump reviewed carrier modernization plans with defense leadership.
On August 13, 2026, the White House issued the formal naval redesign directive.
On August 14, 2026, General Atomics disclosed fifty percent completion on components.
On October 14, 2026, defense secretary deadline arrives for submitting transition plans.
On November 1, 2026, engineering teams begin preliminary structural modification assessments.
In 2030, USS Doris Miller scheduled for final delivery to fleet.
In 2032, Navy evaluates operational readiness of modified steam carrier systems.
In 2035, broader fleet assessment determines long-term viability of legacy catapults.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Modifies future carrier construction schedules and defense manufacturing supply chains.
Possible long-term US impact: Impacting long-term naval power projection and carrier operational efficiency.
Affected Groups: United States Navy personnel, defense contractors, and shipbuilding manufacturing workers.
Reader Prioritization: Prioritize official White House directives and authorized defense department statements.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 5
Left Leaning:: 5
Neutral:: 21

Explain Framing

Left: Highlights potential engineering setbacks, cost overruns, and disrupted military modernization. Center: Reports presidential directives neutrally, focusing on supply chain and timeline adjustments. Right: Emphasizes combat-proven reliability, industrial recovery, and rejection of flawed technology.