Pentagon selects Indiana Navy base for nuclear microreactor
The Pentagon has selected the Naval Support Activity Crane in Indiana, United States, as the site for a next-generation nuclear reactor. The decisive factor was the ability to deploy the first reactor at a military base no later than September 30, 2028, as stipulated by an executive order from President Donald Trump, Breaking Defense reports.
Timeline named the priority
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies Michael Dodd said that time was the priority in selecting the location. According to him, the decision depended less on whether the reactor would be connected to an artificial intelligence data center, directed-energy systems, or critical infrastructure facilities than on the ability to meet the set timeline.
Dodd called the schedule extremely ambitious and noted the cooperation of Indiana authorities and the state's representatives in Congress. At the same time, he acknowledged that a number of key technical issues have yet to be determined.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
A supplier and design have not yet been selected
The U.S. Department of Defense has not yet published a Commercial Solutions Opening, a simplified government mechanism for requesting proposals, and has not begun selecting a contractor or a specific reactor design. Backup, safety, and security systems to be considered in the selection and deployment of the facility also have yet to be determined.
The Army's JANUS program, which leads the advancement of military nuclear energy, is already underway. In August, it awarded five companies a total of $2.2 billion to develop prototypes. U.S. Army representative Jeff Waxman noted that uncertainties remain regarding regulation, technical safety issues, security, and nuclear waste management.
Pentagon Chief Technology Officer Emil Michael expressed confidence that previous defense work would make it possible to meet the 2028 deadline. He linked interest in nuclear generation to rapidly growing electricity demand, including due to the development of artificial intelligence and large data centers. According to him, the military does not plan to deploy such microreactors at forward bases within reach of enemy strikes.
