HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — In a milestone for the nation's nuclear ambitions, the U.S. military airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah last weekend, showcasing what officials describe as a swift path to deploying advanced nuclear power for both military bases and civilian needs.
The flight, which covered nearly 700 miles on a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, took place on February 15 and transported a 5-megawatt microreactor built by the California startup Valar Atomics. The reactor, about the size of a minivan and unloaded without nuclear fuel, arrived at Hill Air Force Base after departing from March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, California. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey accompanied the shipment, emphasizing its role in accelerating nuclear energy deployment amid rising electricity demands from artificial intelligence data centers and military operations.
"Today is history. A multi-megawatt, next-generation nuclear power plant is loaded in the C-17 behind us," Wright declared before the two-hour journey, standing amid a crowd of reporters and military personnel. The event marks the first time the Pentagon and the Department of Energy have collaborated on such an airlift of a nuclear reactor prototype, according to officials.
This demonstration aligns with the Trump administration's aggressive push to expand nuclear power as a reliable, carbon-free energy source. President Donald Trump has long championed nuclear energy, even as his policies favor fossil fuels like coal over renewables. Last year, Trump issued executive orders that shifted regulatory authority for certain advanced reactor designs from the independent Nuclear Regulatory Commission — which has overseen the U.S. nuclear industry for over 50 years — directly to the Energy Department under Wright's purview.
Wright, speaking at Hill Air Force Base upon arrival, dismissed concerns from critics about safety and feasibility. "That’s speed, that’s innovation, that’s the start of a nuclear renaissance," he said, referring to plans for at least three such microreactors to achieve "criticality" — the point at which a sustained nuclear reaction can occur — by July 4, as promised by the president.
The microreactor now headed to the San Rafael Energy Research Center in Utah for testing represents a shift toward smaller, more portable nuclear technologies. Unlike the massive traditional reactors that dominate the U.S. energy grid, these units are designed for quick transport and setup, potentially providing off-grid power to remote military installations or powering data centers without relying on the civilian electrical network.
"The demonstration flight gets us closer to deploy nuclear power when and where it is needed to give our nation’s warfighters the tools to win in battle," Duffey stated during the event. He highlighted how microreactors could enhance energy security for bases, reducing vulnerabilities tied to extended supply lines or grid disruptions.
Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, explained the reactor's capabilities: it can generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 5,000 average homes. The company, based in California, plans to begin test sales of power from similar units next year, with full commercial operations targeted for 2028. Fuel for the Utah prototype will come from the Nevada National Security Site, Taylor added.
Currently, the United States operates 94 nuclear reactors, which supply about 19 percent of the nation's electricity, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This figure has declined from 104 reactors in 2013, though it includes two new large-scale units at Plant Vogtle in Georgia — the first major commercial reactors built from the ground up in the U.S. in more than three decades.
The focus on microreactors builds on broader industry trends toward small modular reactors, which promise faster construction and lower costs compared to traditional plants. For instance, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the country's largest public power utility, has proposed a small modular reactor project as part of its long-term energy strategy. Proponents argue these technologies address the delays that have plagued full-scale nuclear builds, often stretching over a decade due to regulatory hurdles and high expenses.
Yet, not everyone views the airlift as a genuine breakthrough. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called the event a "dog-and-pony show" that primarily demonstrated the military's logistics capabilities rather than resolving core challenges. In an interview, Lyman questioned the practicality and safety of the project.
"The flight doesn't answer any questions about whether the project is feasible, economic, workable or safe — for the military and the public," Lyman said. He pointed out that the Trump administration has yet to fully address how fueled microreactors would be securely transported to destinations like data centers or forward-operating bases, especially given the risks of accidents or sabotage.
Safety remains a flashpoint in the nuclear debate. While the transported reactor was unfueled, experts like Lyman emphasize the need for rigorous safeguards once highly enriched uranium or other fissile materials are loaded. The Union of Concerned Scientists has long advocated for stringent oversight, warning that expedited approvals could compromise public health and environmental protections.
Another unresolved issue is nuclear waste management. The U.S. has struggled with permanent disposal for decades, with the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada stalled amid political opposition. Wright acknowledged these challenges but said the Energy Department is negotiating with Utah and other states to develop sites for fuel reprocessing or long-term storage. "The answer to energy is always more," Wright remarked, contrasting the approach with what he described as restrictive policies under the previous Biden administration that he claims hampered energy development.
The airlift comes at a time of surging electricity needs. Data centers supporting AI and cloud computing are projected to consume vast amounts of power in the coming years, straining existing grids. Nuclear advocates, including the Trump administration, position microreactors as a solution that could meet this demand without increasing carbon emissions, unlike expanded fossil fuel use.
Looking ahead, the Utah testing phase will evaluate the reactor's performance under various conditions, paving the way for potential military adoption. Valar Atomics and similar firms are eyeing partnerships with defense contractors and utilities to scale production. If successful, officials say, these portable units could proliferate across the U.S. and even abroad, bolstering energy independence.
As the nuclear sector eyes this "renaissance," the balance between innovation and caution will shape its trajectory. With executive actions streamlining approvals, the coming months could see accelerated deployments — or heightened scrutiny from regulators and environmental groups. For now, the successful flight stands as a tangible step in the administration's vision for a powered-up future.