USS Gerald R. Ford Lacks F-35C Capability
The aircraft carrier's existing jet blast deflectors cannot handle the intense heat generated by F-35C fighter jets.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Military
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The USS Gerald R. Ford is currently unable to deploy F-35C stealth fighter jets due to limitations in its jet blast deflectors. These systems cannot withstand the 3600 degrees Fahrenheit of exhaust produced by the aircraft during takeoff preparation.
Why it matters
The incompatibility of the current deck shielding prevents the Navy from integrating its most advanced stealth fighters onto the 100,000-ton lead ship of its newest class. This shortfall highlights technical challenges in maintaining modern aviation capabilities across the fleet.
The F-35C requires jet blast deflectors capable of handling 3600 degrees Fahrenheit. While the USS John F. Kennedy contract was modified in 2020 for these upgrades, the lead ship remains limited.
The players
President Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who recently directed defense officials to plan for the replacement of electromagnetic catapults with steam and hydraulic systems on the USS Doris Miller.
United States Navy
This is the branch of the U.S. Armed Forces responsible for naval operations, including the construction and maintenance of the Ford-class aircraft carriers.
The details
Jet blast deflectors are critical for shielding the flight deck from heat during aircraft launches. While the USS John F. Kennedy was modified during construction to include these upgrades, the USS Gerald R. Ford entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in July 2026 for maintenance, though it still lacks support for the F-35C.
Timeline
2010: Defense officials identified F-35C exhaust heat problems.
2017: The lead Ford-class ship was delivered to the Navy.
February 2026: The USS John F. Kennedy completed initial sea trials.
July 2026: The USS Gerald R. Ford entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
August 13, 2026: President Trump ordered a plan to replace electromagnetic systems on the USS Doris Miller.
Political Context
The administration is currently pushing back against the reliance on newer electromagnetic launch systems, as evidenced by the directive to replace them with traditional steam catapults on the USS Doris Miller. This move suggests a broader structural challenge in balancing modern technological integration with proven legacy systems.
Taxpayers are seeing a significant shift in defense procurement as the military reassesses the cost and efficiency of its newest carrier technologies. The focus on retrofitting or changing catapult systems will likely impact future defense budget allocations and the speed of modernizing the carrier fleet.
The takeaway
Integrating advanced stealth aircraft requires complex structural upgrades that go beyond software and radar capabilities. Policymakers and naval planners are now forced to weigh the high costs of modernizing flight decks against returning to older, more reliable mechanical systems.
What happens next
Defense officials must submit a formal plan for replacing the electromagnetic catapults on the USS Doris Miller within 60 days of the August 13, 2026, directive.
Further reading
For more on evolving naval capabilities, visit the Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 19FortyFive.
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