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Army Launches Janus Program to Field Commercial Microreactors on U.S. Bases by 2028

A milestone contracting push with DOE and DIU backs privately operated microreactors on select U.S. bases by 2028.

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The Army plans to build up to 10 small nuclear reactors on bases to provide power as part of a shift away from reliance on fossil-based energy sources. Above, a shuttered nuclear power plant in Germany.
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An artist's render of the Project Pele transportable microreactor.

Overview

  • The Army unveiled the Janus Program at AUSA, naming itself executive agent under President Trump’s Executive Order 14299 to start an Army‑regulated reactor by Sept. 30, 2028.
  • Officials plan a draft request for proposals within weeks and an open competition that is not limited to firms preselected under DIU’s earlier ANPI effort.
  • Leaders expect a first commercial microreactor to reach criticality by July 2026, break ground on a stateside base in 2027, and begin initial operations in 2028.
  • Reactors will be commercially owned and operated with Army technical oversight using milestone payments, with multiple vendors each expected to build at least two units.
  • Up to about 10 U.S. installations are under consideration, with site selection shaped by community engagement, DOE support on fuel and supply chain needs, and an anticipated funding request in the hundreds of millions over five years.