Overview
- In Operation Windlord, three USAF C-17s flew eight modules of Valar Atomics’ Ward250 from March Air Reserve Base, California, to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, for transfer to the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab.
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Defense acquisition chief Michael P. Duffey accompanied the flight, framing the effort as a step toward resilient power for bases, remote sites and disaster response.
- The Ward250 is a 5‑megawatt, TRISO‑fueled, helium‑cooled microreactor design; company plans call for Utah testing to start around 100 kW in July and reach about 250 kW this year before scaling toward full output.
- Officials say the demonstration advances Executive Order 14301 and DOE’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, with a stated goal of bringing multiple microreactors to criticality in the United States by July 4, 2026.
- The airlift moved hardware without nuclear fuel; DOE says fuel will be routed from the Nevada National Security Site, as debates continue over costs and waste management and the department explores state options for handling spent material.