Micro Nuclear Reactors in the Janus Program Strengthen U.S. Military Energy Resilience

The United States Army has officially announced the launch of the Janus Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to revolutionize military energy resilience and combat readiness. The announcement was made by Secretary of the Army, Hon. Dan Driscoll, during the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army on October 14. This program represents a strategic leap forward in the integration of advanced nuclear technology into military operations, ensuring that American forces remain the most prepared and lethal fighting force in the world.

Strategic Objectives of the Janus Program

The primary mission of the Janus Program is to provide resilient, safe, and reliable energy for military operations across all theaters of conflict. Energy has long been a critical factor in sustaining combat power, and the Army is determined to eliminate energy as a limiting variable in future warfare. By harnessing next-generation nuclear technology, the program aims to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for installations, communication networks, weapons systems, and command centers.

The initiative also fulfills the directive outlined in the Executive Order issued by President Trump, which calls for the advancement of nuclear technology to strengthen national security by 2028. This alignment with national policy underscores the importance of nuclear energy not only as a technological innovation but also as a cornerstone of America’s defense strategy.

Focus on Micro Nuclear Reactors for Military Readiness

At the heart of the Janus Program is the deployment of micro nuclear reactors capable of operating independently from civilian power grids. These reactors are designed to deliver reliable energy in austere environments, where traditional infrastructure may be compromised or unavailable. By providing autonomous power generation, the reactors will safeguard missions against threats such as grid instability, natural disasters, or deliberate enemy attacks on energy infrastructure.

The reactors will be compact, mobile, and adaptable, enabling rapid deployment to forward operating bases or remote installations. This capability ensures that American forces can maintain operational superiority even in contested or degraded environments. The emphasis on micro-reactor technology reflects a broader shift toward modular, scalable energy solutions tailored to the unique demands of modern warfare.

Collaboration and Oversight in Nuclear Energy Development

The Janus Program is being developed in close collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that all reactors meet the highest standards of safety, resilience, and adaptability. Oversight of the program will be led by Jeff Waksman, Ph.D., who previously directed Project Pele, another pioneering effort in military nuclear energy. Waksman’s expertise and leadership provide continuity and credibility, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to responsible innovation.

Additionally, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is playing a critical role in accelerating the adoption of nuclear technology and strengthening the supply chain for uranium fuel. DIU’s involvement highlights the importance of integrating commercial innovation with military requirements, ensuring that the Janus Program benefits from cutting-edge advancements while maintaining strategic control over critical resources.

Technical Specifications of the Janus Program Microreactors

The Janus Program introduces advanced microreactors that are engineered to deliver less than 20 megawatts of power, a scale specifically designed for military applications. These reactors will utilize low-enriched uranium fuel, capped at 5 percent enrichment, ensuring both safety and compliance with international standards. Built on Generation IV passive reactor technology, the systems are designed to be inherently safe and un-meltable, eliminating the risk of catastrophic failure. Another critical advantage is their longevity, as they are capable of running for years without requiring refueling, reducing logistical burdens and enhancing operational reliability in contested environments.

Deployment and Physical Characteristics of Modular Nuclear Reactors

The microreactors under the Janus Program are modular and compact, allowing for flexible deployment across diverse military installations. Their transportability is a key feature, as they can be moved by ship, aircraft such as the C-17, or flatbed truck, enabling rapid relocation to forward bases or disaster-stricken areas. With a small physical footprint, these reactors can be integrated into existing infrastructure without significant disruption. This mobility ensures that the Army can maintain energy resilience wherever missions demand, reinforcing combat readiness in both domestic and overseas operations.

Operational Framework and Oversight of Military Nuclear Energy

The operational framework of the Janus Program emphasizes resilience and reliability. The reactors are intended to provide uninterrupted power to military bases, ensuring continuity of operations during power outages, cyberattacks, or natural disasters. In the initial phase, two reactors will be deployed at up to nine domestic U.S. bases, with commercial companies responsible for ownership and day-to-day operation. Oversight will remain firmly under the control of the Army and the Department of Energy, which will provide technical guidance and regulate the fuel cycle. This dual structure of private operation and government oversight ensures both efficiency and accountability, while safeguarding national security interests.

Key Statements from Military and Industry Leaders

Secretary Driscoll emphasized the transformative nature of the program, stating: "This is about warfighting power,” said Secretary Driscoll, “Project Janus ensures our warfighters can train, deploy, and fight with the certainty that power will never be the limiting factor in victory.” His remarks underscore the Army’s determination to remove energy vulnerability from the equation of warfighting. 

Jeff Waksman highlighted the program’s focus on safety and effectiveness, stressing that the reactors are being designed with rigorous safeguards to protect personnel and missions. 

"Drawing on my experiences leading Project Pele, I will be personally overseeing Project Janus to ensure we deliver the safest, most resilient, and most effective nuclear energy program possible,” said Jeff Waksman, Ph.D., Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “This effort will directly underpin readiness, lethality, and the warfighter ethos – providing warfighters with reliable power in any environment, at any time.”

Emil Michael of the Defense Innovation Unit described Janus as a strategic leap in America’s energy dominance, noting that the program positions the United States to maintain superiority in both technological innovation and military capability.

"The Janus Program is a strategic leap forward in American energy dominance,” said Hon. Emil Michael, Acting Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. “By fusing the Army’s operational might with DIU’s innovation engine, we’re delivering resilient energy to the warfighter. Together, the Army and DIU are driving a domestic nuclear industry that will strengthen U.S. energy security.”