US military airlifts nuclear reactor modules to Utah for testing

The U.S. Department of War (DoW) and the Department of Energy announced on Sunday that a next-generation nuclear reactor, Ward250, had been successfully flown from March Air Reserve Base in California to Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The transport, carried out by a C‑17 Globemaster aircraft, marks the first time a complete set of reactor modules has been moved by air for the purpose of commercial‑technology testing.

The eight modules comprising the Ward250 will be loaded onto three aircraft as part of “Operation Windlord.” After landing at Hill AFB, the modules will be forwarded to the Utah San Rafael Energy Laboratory in Orangeville, where they will undergo a series of performance, safety, and integration tests.

The operation was conducted in partnership with Valar Atomics, a private firm that developed the Ward250 design. The collaboration aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that called for a “modernized and resilient” American nuclear energy sector. The order encourages public-private partnerships and the rapid deployment of innovative reactor concepts.

In a press release, the DoW said, “The successful delivery and installation of this reactor will unlock significant possibilities for the future of energy resilience and strategic independence for our nation's defense, showcasing an agile, innovative, and commercial-first approach to solving critical infrastructure challenges. By harnessing the power of advanced nuclear technology, we are not only enhancing our national security but championing a future of American energy dominance.”

A press conference held at Hill AFB after the arrival featured Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, and Valar Atomics CEO Isaiah Taylor.