Utah, February 17 - The United States has achieved a significant milestone in advanced nuclear technology with the successful first-ever air transport of a nuclear microreactor. On February 15, 2026, the Departments of Energy and Defense, in collaboration with California-based Valar Atomics, airlifted components of the company's Ward 250 microreactor aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft. The unfueled reactor modules were transported from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. This operation demonstrates the logistical feasibility of rapidly deploying compact nuclear power systems, addressing long-standing challenges in transporting nuclear technology by air while highlighting the potential for enhanced energy resilience in remote or contested environments.
Nuclear microreactors, such as the 5-megawatt Ward 250, represent a new generation of small modular reactors designed for quick assembly, transportability, and operation with minimal infrastructure. Unlike traditional large-scale nuclear plants, these advanced reactors can fit within standard cargo configurations, enabling deployment to military bases, disaster zones, or isolated communities where reliable power is essential. The airlift test, conducted without nuclear fuel for safety, validates key aspects of mobility and rapid response capabilities, paving the way for future applications that reduce dependence on vulnerable fuel supply lines and conventional grids.
Officials involved in the flight, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey, described the event as a breakthrough that signals the beginning of an American nuclear renaissance. By proving that microreactors can be efficiently moved via military airlift, the U.S. government aims to accelerate the adoption of clean, high-density energy solutions that support both national security and civilian energy needs. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to revitalize domestic nuclear innovation and deploy advanced reactors for resilient power generation.
The successful transport underscores the viability of nuclear microreactor technology for future energy security. As testing and evaluation continue at facilities in Utah, this historic operation marks a critical step toward operational deployment, potentially transforming how the U.S. provides dependable, low-carbon power in challenging scenarios worldwide.