Full Breakdown
Army Awards $2.2 B for Nuclear Microreactor Program at Five Bases
8/27/2026, 4:18:21 AM
Janus Program Contracts and Planned Deployments
The U.S. Army will allocate up to $2.2 billion over five years to five firms to design, build and operate advanced nuclear microreactors on Army installations. The contracts go to Antares Nuclear (Fort Bragg, N.C.), BWX Technologies (Fort Campbell, Ky.), General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (Fort Hood, Texas), Radiant Industries (Fort Benning, Ga.) and Westinghouse Government Services (Fort Drum, N.Y.). BWXT’s 20-MW reactor will be the first of its model, with ground-breaking slated for 2028 and operation in the early 2030s. Reactors will stay grid-connected while providing “always-on, baseload power” for critical Army functions.
Background & Context
The Janus program, launched in October 2025, follows a May 2025 executive order directing the Army to field advanced nuclear reactors. Janus moves microreactor designs from experimental prototypes—such as DOE’s Project Pele—into commercial products. The Army aims to have a microreactor delivering electricity on a domestic base by 30 Sept 2028.
Timeline
- May 2025 – Executive order directs Army reactor deployment.
- Oct 2025 – Janus program launched.
- July 4 – DOE pilot program milestone (three reactors reaching criticality).
- 30 Sept 2028 – Target for first operational Army microreactor.
Data & Statistics
- Funding: Up to $2.2 billion from the Army; private investment expected to exceed this amount.
- Power range: 1 MW to 20 MW per reactor.
- Fort Campbell footprint: ~28,000 active-duty personnel, 45,000 family members, 10,000 civilian/contractor employees on 107,000 acres.
- Fuel: BWXT will use TRISO fuel manufactured at its Campbell County facility.
Official Statements & Responses
Jeff Waksman, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, said reliance on diesel backup could be compromised in conflict, making nuclear “a natural game changer.” He noted the reactors are “inherently safe” and that radioactive waste will be removed off-site. Kate Kelly, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies, highlighted the opportunity to secure energy independence for critical operations. Contracts will be performance-based, with the ability to suspend or terminate if milestones are missed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One of the reasons why BWXT is so excited by this opportunity is that it is such a strong blend of some of the core principles and markets that the company supports,” — Kate Kelly
- “That makes nuclear a natural game changer for the Army,” — Jeff Waksman
- “We are not going to leave stuff behind that is radioactive for decades to come,” — Jeff Waksman
What’s Next
The $2.2 billion pot will fund design, construction and the first year of operations for each prototype between FY 2027 and 2031. Contractors are still raising private capital. Success depends on meeting technical milestones, securing waste-removal agreements with the Energy Department, and achieving the 30 Sept 2028 operational deadline for the first microreactor.
