DefenseU.S. flies nuclear microreactor on C-17 in first test of rapid deployment concept
The United States on Sunday conducted its first air transport of a nuclear microreactor, flying the unit aboard a C-17 Globemaster III from California to Utah in a move designed to demonstrate how atomic power could be rapidly deployed for military and civilian use.
The reactor, developed by California-based Valar Atomics and known as the Ward microreactor, was transported without nuclear fuel from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base. It will ultimately be tested at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey accompanied the flight, describing the operation as a milestone for nuclear logistics and base energy resilience.
The Ward unit, slightly larger than a minivan, is designed to generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity — theoretically enough to power around 5,000 homes. According to the company, the reactor is expected to begin operating in July at 100 kilowatts, rising to 250 kilowatts later this year before eventually reaching full output.
Defense officials argue that transportable microreactors could reduce reliance on civilian power grids at domestic installations and limit exposure to fuel supply disruptions during overseas deployments. Proponents also see them as an alternative to diesel generators in remote areas, where regular fuel deliveries can be vulnerable to attack or logistical constraints.
The demonstration comes as President Donald Trump’s administration pushes to expand nuclear energy production. In May 2025, Trump signed four executive orders aimed at accelerating domestic nuclear deployment, including reforms to reactor testing and regulatory oversight, and the promotion of advanced reactor technologies for national security purposes. The Department of Energy has since awarded grants to support small modular and microreactor development.
Supporters say smaller reactors could help meet rising electricity demand tied to defense infrastructure, artificial intelligence data centers and other energy-intensive applications. However, critics question the economic viability of microreactors, arguing that electricity costs could exceed those of larger nuclear plants or renewable sources such as wind and solar.
The Energy Department plans to have three microreactors reach “criticality” — the point at which a sustained nuclear reaction is achieved — by July 4, officials said. Fuel for the Ward reactor will be transported separately from the Nevada National Security Site to the Utah facility. While disposal of nuclear waste remains unresolved, federal authorities are in discussions with several states, including Utah, regarding potential reprocessing or long-term storage solutions.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
