The United States Department of War and the Department of Energy transported a next-generation nuclear reactor aboard a C-17 military aircraft on Feb. 15, 2026, from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah for testing under a federal nuclear modernization initiative.
The compact reactor, developed by Valar Atomics, is scheduled for further ground transport to the Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center (USREL) in Orangeville, Utah, where it will undergo testing and evaluation. The airlift represents a key step in implementing Executive Order 14301, which directs federal agencies to accelerate domestic nuclear innovation and achieve reactor criticality on U.S. soil by July 4, 2026.
The initiative is part of a joint effort between the Department of War and the Department of Energy aimed at integrating advanced nuclear technologies into national security infrastructure. Officials said the collaboration aligns with federal policy focused on modernizing America’s nuclear energy landscape while supporting defense energy resilience.
Valar Atomics confirmed it was selected by the Department of Energy under the executive order to pursue rapid reactor development milestones. The company’s WardZero prototype has undergone months of heat and pressure testing in Los Angeles prior to transport and uses TRISO fuel in a high-temperature reactor configuration capable of operating above 750 degrees Celsius.
TRISO fuel consists of coated fuel particles designed to withstand extreme temperatures while limiting radioactive release, making it suitable for compact and transportable reactor systems intended for remote or military environments. High-temperature reactors are designed to provide stable energy output with reduced refueling requirements compared with traditional systems.
The Department of War and Department of Energy described the effort as a demonstration of a commercial-first approach to infrastructure development, combining private-sector innovation with defense logistics capabilities. Officials said the successful delivery and installation of the reactor will support evaluation of advanced energy solutions aimed at improving energy resilience for defense installations.
Valar Atomics Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Taylor characterized the initiative as a major national effort. He described the program as “America’s second Manhattan Project,” referring to its role in advancing domestic nuclear capability.
The WardZero reactor represents a compact nuclear power concept designed for rapid deployment and testing, with potential applications including resilient energy supply for military bases and critical infrastructure operating in austere environments.
Executive Order 14301 establishes accelerated timelines for reactor development and directs federal agencies to coordinate efforts supporting domestic nuclear innovation. The July 4, 2026, criticality target sets a defined milestone for demonstrating operational capability within the United States.
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