Air Force ANPI Picks Put Radiant, Antares, Westinghouse on Track for First On‑Base Microreactors by 2028

Why It Matters

On‑base microreactors will give critical defense installations energy independence, boosting resilience against grid outages and cyber threats. The program also demonstrates a new, rapid‑acquisition pathway that could accelerate commercial microreactor adoption.

Key Takeaways

• Radiant, Antares, Westinghouse chosen for first on‑base microreactors by 2028
• Buckley, Malmstrom, JBSA to host 1‑MWe‑5‑MWe nuclear units
• ANPI uses OTAs and NRC licensing for fast, flexible procurement
• Program supports EO 14156/14154 to reduce grid dependency
• NEPA review and site analysis begin before construction can start

Pulse Analysis

The Department of the Air Force’s ANPI initiative reflects a strategic shift toward energy self‑sufficiency for critical defense sites. By pairing three commercial microreactor developers with specific installations, the service aims to mitigate the vulnerabilities exposed by reliance on civilian power grids, especially during natural disasters or cyber attacks. This approach dovetails with recent executive orders that prioritize resilient, carbon‑free energy sources for national security, positioning the military as a catalyst for broader adoption of advanced nuclear technologies.

Radiant Industries will field its 1‑megawatt Kaleidos reactor at Buckley Space Force Base, leveraging factory‑built, transportable modules and HALEU TRISO fuel. Antares Nuclear’s sodium‑heat‑pipe‑cooled R1 design targets Joint Base San Antonio, with a planned criticality milestone in mid‑2026 and production units by 2028. Westinghouse Government Services brings its eVinci line to Malmstrom, offering a scalable 0.5‑to‑5‑megawatt solution that has already cleared key NRC design reviews. All three projects will follow the NRC’s civil licensing pathway, ensuring a transparent safety regime while the Department of Defense navigates NEPA environmental assessments.

Beyond the immediate defense benefits, ANPI’s contractor‑owned, contractor‑operated model under Other Transaction Agreements could reshape the nuclear procurement landscape. The streamlined OTA framework bypasses traditional FAR constraints, enabling faster prototyping and scaling that may spill over into civilian markets such as remote communities, data centers, and industrial sites. With operational targets set for 2028‑2030, the program not only promises a new energy backbone for the armed forces but also serves as a proving ground for the next generation of commercial microreactors, potentially accelerating the United States’ clean‑energy transition.