During his recent visit to India, U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter spoke to reporters about the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System that will replace the steam catapults used on older U.S. carriers for launching and landing systems.
“We are working with the Indian Navy on technology for their next generation of aircraft carrier,” he said on the first day of his two-day visit to India to strengthen defense ties with New Delhi.
“India would like to migrate on flat deck design” in construction of its next carrier, Carter said, and the systems being installed on the USS Gerald R. Ford have “some advantages in terms of weight of the aircraft and others.” He said “we are more than willing to share it with India,” reports Defense Tech.
“The U.S. approach to this region is not to confront,” Carter said. “We have to do what we have been doing for 70 years, that is to keep the stability and peace that has allowed economic and social miracle in modern India and China.”
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
