The US military has achieved a milestone by transporting a small nuclear reactor via air for the first time. This event signifies a significant advancement in President Donald Trump’s efforts to enhance nuclear power and strengthen energy security at military bases. The Valar Atomics Ward 250 unfueled nuclear reactor components were carried by three C-17 transport planes from California’s March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.
The Ward 250 reactor, a 5-megawatt nuclear unit compact enough to fit inside a C-17 aircraft, has the potential to power approximately 5,000 households. Initial testing of the reactor will commence at 250 kilowatts, with the capability to eventually generate 5 megawatts, as confirmed by company officials. This airlift from California to Utah forms part of a broader strategy to introduce advanced nuclear power technology throughout the United States.
In a move to advance the country’s nuclear energy agenda, President Trump signed four executive orders on May 23, 2025. These orders aim to strengthen America’s nuclear energy capabilities, including initiatives such as “Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base” and “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security.” Officials at March Air Reserve Base emphasized the crucial role of this initiative in national security, highlighting the importance of reliable energy sources for both domestic and military operations.
The collaboration between the War and Energy Departments is deemed essential for the progress of President Trump’s nuclear energy priorities, according to Michael P. Duffey, the undersecretary of war for acquisition and sustainment. Duffey stressed the significance of developing, evaluating, and deploying advanced nuclear technologies to enhance energy resilience and national security. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed the administration’s goal of revitalizing the nuclear sector, aiming to kickstart a “nuclear renaissance” with the deployment of ten small reactors by July 4.
The miniature reactor utilizes TRISO fuel, consisting of uranium kernels enclosed in ceramic layers, and employs helium coolant instead of water. Such systems hold promise for military applications, offering energy security for bases and ensuring operational independence from civilian power grids.
