Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Feb 16: In a first-of-its-kind operation, the US military has airlifted a compact nuclear reactor, underscoring President Donald Trump’s drive to expand nuclear energy and strengthen power security at military installations.
Three C-17 aircraft transported components of the unfueled Ward 250 microreactor, developed by Valar Atomics, from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The system will later be transferred to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab for testing and further evaluation.
Designed as a 5-megawatt reactor compact enough to fit inside a C-17 cargo plane, the Ward 250 could theoretically generate electricity for roughly 5,000 homes. Initial testing will begin at 250 kilowatts before gradually scaling up to its full 5-megawatt capacity, according to company officials.
The airlift forms part of a wider federal strategy to accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear technologies across the country. On May 23, 2025, Trump signed four executive orders aimed at revitalising the domestic nuclear industry and advancing next-generation reactor technologies for national security applications.
Officials at March Air Reserve Base described the initiative as critical to national defence. Utah Governor Spencer Cox emphasised that dependable and deployable energy is fundamental to both economic strength and military readiness, noting that the US must ensure reliable power at home and in operational theatres.
Michael P. Duffey, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Departments of Energy and War, stating that close coordination is vital to developing and deploying advanced nuclear systems that enhance resilience and operational capability. He stressed that future warfare will demand faster, more adaptable energy solutions to maintain a strategic edge.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the move as part of a broader effort to reignite America’s nuclear sector, calling it the beginning of a “nuclear renaissance.” He indicated that multiple small reactors are expected to become operational in the near term as part of this renewed push.
The Ward 250 uses TRISO fuel — uranium particles encased in ceramic layers — along with helium coolant instead of water, a design intended to improve safety and efficiency. For military bases, such reactors could provide independent, grid-free energy, ensuring uninterrupted mission capability even during disruptions to civilian power networks.