Army advances Janus micro nuclear reactor program

The Army outlined new steps for the Janus Program, selecting nine installations for potential microreactor sites and opening a solicitation for advanced nuclear technologies.

The program is designed to provide secure and reliable energy for defense operations under Executive Order 14299. It is being developed with the Defense Innovation Unit through a milestone-based contracting model intended to speed delivery of commercial microreactors.

The Army chose the nine locations after analysis and on-site reviews of mission needs, energy gaps, infrastructure, and environmental and technical factors. The installations are Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Drum, Fort Hood, Fort Wainwright, Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Redstone Arsenal.

Officials said the final number and placement of microreactors will be decided during the acquisition phase. They said the service aims to include as many sites as feasible based on suitability, resources, and technical conditions.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Jordan Gillis said the early selections support the department’s goal of expanding on-site nuclear generation. He said the Army will use its regulatory authorities to deploy resilient and secure energy for critical missions.

The program is working with the Department of Energy and national laboratories to evaluate proposed reactor designs, operations, and emergency planning. Army officials said the rollout will proceed in stages to apply lessons learned and ensure safe implementation. They said projects will be self-contained, comply with regulations, and are not expected to significantly affect land use.

The Army said it will continue engagement with host communities and will release schedules for each installation in future updates.

A Memorandum of Agreement with the DIU will use the Commercial Solutions Opening process and Other Transaction Authority to gather industry proposals. The DIU issued an Area of Interest seeking concepts for deploying microreactors on Army sites.

DIU Energy Portfolio Director Andrew Higier said the partnership will deliver resilient power for key missions. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Waksman said the program is beginning the process of matching reactor designs with specific installations.

Officials said the new steps show the program’s accelerated effort to strengthen national energy security.