Full Breakdown
Army’s Janus Program Targets First Nuclear Microreactor by 2028
8/27/2026, 8:39:26 PM
Core Development
The U.S. Army will award up to $2.2 billion to five firms—Antares Nuclear, BWXT Advanced Technologies, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, Radiant Industries, and Westinghouse Government Services—to design, build, own, and operate microreactors at Fort Bragg, NC; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort Hood, TX; Fort Benning, GA; and Fort Drum, NY. The milestone-based “Other Transaction Authority” contracts cover FY 2027-2031, with a goal of having at least one reactor operational by September 30, 2028, as mandated by a 2025 executive order. The Army envisions a fleet of >20 reactors delivering 1-20 MW each across DoD sites.
Background & Context
Created in 2025, the Janus Program follows the Pentagon’s Project Pele portable-reactor effort. Officials cite the vulnerability of the civilian grid to cyber-attack and the logistical burden of diesel fuel in combat, positioning microreactors as a “natural game changer” for communications, radar, and directed-energy systems.
Timeline
- 2025 – Executive orders set the 2028 operational deadline.
- August 2026 – Five vendors and sites announced with the $2.2 billion award.
- September 30, 2028 – Target date for the first sustained microreactor operation.
Data & Statistics
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total contract value | Up to $2.2 billion |
| Companies selected | 5 |
| Initial sites | 5 Army bases |
| Planned fleet size | >20 reactors |
| Power range per reactor | 1 MW – 20 MW |
| Private-capital share | Companies expect billions in private investment; Radiant disclosed a potential $750 million award. |
Why It Matters
Proponents say microreactors will give the military “energy independence” for high-capacity missions such as drones and directed-energy weapons, reducing reliance on diesel generators and the civilian grid. The contracts are also intended to spur a commercial market for small-reactor technology.
Official Statements & Responses
- Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Waksman called nuclear energy “a natural game changer” and noted the reactors will be contractor-owned and operated, with Army technical oversight only.
Criticism & Opposition
Alan J. Kuperman, associate professor at the Lyndon B. College, argues microreactors are likely more expensive than conventional sources and may not compete with natural-gas prices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cost transparency: Individual contract amounts are undisclosed; only Radiant’s possible $750 million award is public.
- Operational timeline: Waksman described the schedule as “aggressive but plausible,” but not all five firms are expected to have a reactor running by 2028, leaving the path to the first unit unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are building the energy resilience necessary to project combat power globally, without relying on potentially vulnerable external grids.” — The Army
- “The whole idea here is that at the back end of this we want a commercial product,” — Jeff Waksman
- “Awarding these contracts accelerates our ability to deliver safe, reliable baseload power directly to our installations.” — Army Secretary Dan Driscoll
