# U.S. Navy Awards EMALS Sustainment Contract

The U.S. Navy has awarded a **$49.3 million** contract to Kato Engineering in September 2026 to support the energy storage subsystem of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) used on Ford-class aircraft carriers. This contract underscores the Navy's continued commitment to modernizing carrier launch capabilities with electromagnetic technology rather than reverting to traditional steam catapults. The sustainment effort supports advanced and unmanned aircraft launch operations, reflecting ongoing investment in next-generation naval aviation systems.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the Navy's sustained focus on EMALS technology, signaling ongoing opportunities in electromagnetic launch system maintenance and modernization.
- The contract highlights the importance of specialized engineering firms like Kato Engineering in supporting critical naval aviation infrastructure.
- Contractors with expertise in energy storage and electromagnetic systems may find increased demand as the Navy advances its carrier launch capabilities.
- This development indicates a strategic preference for innovative launch technologies, influencing future Navy procurement priorities and technology roadmaps.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)

### Vendors
- Kato Engineering (awardee)

### Sources
- [Steam catapults? US Navy appears to be sticking with electromagnetics on carriers](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/09/23/steam-catapults-us-navy-appears-to-be-sticking-with-electromagnetics-on-carriers) - Defense News