DAF outlines next steps for advanced nuclear power on installations

The Department of the Air Force, working with the Defense Innovation Unit, has named three companies to pursue development and operation of a microreactor at Air Force installations under its Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations (ANPI) effort. Each firm has been paired with a specific base: Radiant Industries with Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, Westinghouse Government Services with Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, and Antares Nuclear with Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

The service previously identified Buckley and Malmstrom as initial ANPI sites on April 8 and has now added Joint Base San Antonio as a third potential location. Officials said the pairings reflect an energy-resilience strategy that aligns mission needs with each site’s characteristics.

“The future of air and space dominance is powered by resilient energy,” said Michael Borders, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations and Environment. “By integrating advanced nuclear technology, we are not just keeping the lights on; we are guaranteeing that our most critical national security missions will never be held at risk by a power outage. This is a pivotal moment for the Department of the Air Force.”

The ANPI initiative aims to have at least one advanced nuclear reactor operating on a Department of the Air Force installation by 2030 or earlier. Next steps include site selection and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The ANPI effort is distinct from the separate microreactor pilot at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, which is focused on demonstrating feasibility and operational benefits at a single installation.