The U.S. Army is investing $2.2 billion to develop nuclear microreactors at five military bases under a project known as the Janus Program. The initiative, announced Thursday, involves agreements with five private vendors to build and operate small-scale nuclear plants intended to provide reliable power directly to military installations.
Military officials stated the project aims to secure energy for training and deployments without relying on external power grids, which the Army characterized as potentially vulnerable. Currently, the military utilizes diesel generators as backup for critical infrastructure, as there are no nuclear microreactors currently providing energy to the commercial power grid.
The Janus Program has selected five specific installations and private partners: Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with Antares Nuclear, Inc.; Fort Campbell, Kentucky, with BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC; Fort Hood, Texas, with General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems; Fort Benning, Georgia, with Radiant Industries Inc.; and Fort Drum, New York, with Westinghouse Government Services. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) requested the inclusion of Fort Drum, citing the base's need for secure power generation.
Personnel at these bases will notice a shift in how their daily operations are powered, moving from grid-dependent electricity and diesel backups to on-site nuclear generation. These microreactors are designed to be factory-built and small enough to be transported by truck, with the capability to operate for up to 10 years without refueling. The Army expects this to provide a "baseload" of power that remains functional even if a national emergency or grid failure occurs.
The rollout sets a precedent for military energy independence and the use of portable nuclear technology. The Army is already testing the resilience of its current systems through the "Black Start Exercise," which involves unannounced power cuts at installations in August and September 2026. The Janus Program microreactors are scheduled for construction and operation between 2027 and 2031, following the completion of current site testing.