U.S. Airlifts Small Nuclear Reactor Amid Nuclear Power Push

Feb 23, 2026, 2:48 AM

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The Pentagon and the Energy Department have made history by airlifting a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, showcasing the US capability to rapidly deploy nuclear power for both military and civilian purposes. This nearly 700-mile flight last weekend transported a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel, emphasizing the Trump administration's commitment to expand nuclear energy as a response to increasing power demands, particularly from artificial intelligence and data centers.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense Michael Duffey, who accompanied the reactor, described the February 15 trip aboard a C-17 military aircraft as a breakthrough for US efforts to accelerate the commercial licensing of microreactors. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to reshape the nation's energy landscape, focusing on nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free electricity source.

A New Emphasis on Nuclear Energy

President Donald Trump has consistently championed nuclear power, viewing it as a dependable energy source, despite his administration's previous prioritization of coal and fossil fuels over renewable energy. However, there are skeptics who caution that nuclear energy carries significant risks, arguing that microreactors remain unproven in terms of safety and economic feasibility.

Wright dismissed these concerns, highlighting progress on Trump's push for expedited nuclear power deployment. He noted that Trump had signed executive orders allowing for the approval of advanced reactor designs, shifting regulatory authority from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has historically overseen the US nuclear industry.

"Today is history. A multi-megawatt, next-generation nuclear power plant is loaded in the C-17 behind us," Wright declared before the flight, which was a two-hour journey from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Military and Civilian Applications

The minivan-sized reactor is one of at least three planned to achieve "criticality"—the point at which a nuclear reaction can sustain itself—by July 4, as promised by Trump. Wright emphasized that microreactors, designed to be portable, could significantly enhance energy delivery to areas in need, particularly military bases that may operate independently of the civilian power grid.

Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, the California startup responsible for the reactor, stated it could generate enough electricity to power approximately 5,000 homes. The company aims to begin selling power on a test basis next year and achieve full commercial status by 2028.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Despite the excitement surrounding this development, safety concerns remain. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, criticized the transport flight as a publicity stunt, questioning its feasibility and safety for military and public use.

Lyman pointed out that the Trump administration has yet to adequately address how microreactors, once fueled, would be securely transported to data centers or military bases. Additionally, unresolved issues concerning nuclear waste disposal persist, although Wright mentioned ongoing discussions with Utah and other states regarding potential sites for fuel reprocessing or permanent disposal.

The microreactor flown to Utah is set to be tested at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, with fuel provided by the Nevada National Security site.

In conclusion, while the airlift of the small nuclear reactor represents a significant advancement in the US nuclear energy initiative, ongoing safety and regulatory challenges must be navigated to ensure its successful integration into the energy landscape.

"Now we're trying to set everything free. And nuclear will be flying soon," Wright asserted, signaling a bold future for nuclear energy in the US.

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