Department of War Transports Next-Generation Nuclear Reactor

Reactor airlifted from California to Utah, advancing Trump's executive order on nuclear energy for military use

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Department of War has successfully transported a next-generation nuclear reactor from California to Utah via a C-17 aircraft, a key step in assessing how advanced nuclear systems could support military installations and remote defense operations. This move advances President Donald Trump's executive order to modernize America's nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen U.S. national security.

Why it matters

The successful delivery and installation of the reactor will open new possibilities for energy resilience and strategic independence for the nation's defense, highlighting an agile, innovative and commercial-first approach to addressing critical infrastructure challenges. This is part of a broader administration push to reinforce domestic energy production and grid reliability across multiple sectors.

The details

The reactor was flown from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah and is expected to be transported to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville for testing and evaluation. The Department of War said this event is a testament to the ingenuity of the American spirit and a critical advancement in securing the nation's freedom and strength for generations to come.

  • On Sunday, the Department of War transported the next-generation nuclear reactor.
  • In May 2026, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders aimed at expanding domestic nuclear energy development.

The players

Department of War

The U.S. federal agency responsible for national defense and military operations.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who signed executive orders to modernize America's nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen U.S. national security.

Doug Burgum

The Interior Secretary who stated that America led the postwar world on "all things nuclear" until it "stagnated" and was "choked with overregulation".

Pete Hegseth

The War Secretary who said the U.S. was "going to have the lights on and AI operating when others are not because of our nuclear capabilities".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're advancing President Trump's executive order on nuclear energy. Moments from now, we will airlift a next-generation nuclear reactor.”

— Department of War (X)

“By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we are not only enhancing our national security but championing a future of American energy dominance. This event is a testament to the ingenuity of the American spirit and a critical advancement in securing our nation's freedom and strength for generations to come.”

— Department of War (Press release)

What’s next

The reactor will be transported to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville for testing and evaluation, a key step in assessing how advanced nuclear systems could support military installations and remote defense operations.

The takeaway

This nuclear reactor transport represents a significant milestone in the Trump administration's efforts to modernize America's nuclear energy infrastructure and strengthen U.S. national security through the use of advanced nuclear technology. It showcases the government's commitment to energy resilience, strategic independence, and technological innovation in the defense sector.