U.S. Army Launches Janus Program for Next-Generation Nuclear Energy
October 14, 2025
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Army has announced the Janus Program, aimed at providing nuclear power to support military installations and operations through the deployment of microreactors.
The program was introduced during a panel at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, with participation from Army officials and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright.
Executive Order 14299, titled “Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security,” requires the Department of Defense to operate an Army-regulated nuclear reactor at a domestic military installation by September 30, 2028. The Department of the Army has been appointed to lead the Janus Program in this capacity.
Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll stated that the program involves the adoption of nuclear power technologies for military use.
Program Overview
The Janus Program will utilize the Army’s regulatory framework in collaboration with the Department of Energy to maintain safety and operational standards.
Secretary Wright noted the historical collaboration between the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense on nuclear projects, starting from the Manhattan Project.
The initiative involves constructing commercial microreactors using a milestone-based contracting approach in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This model is based on NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program.
The reactors will be owned and operated by commercial entities, with payments designed to support production scaling. The Army will offer technical support, including aspects of the uranium fuel cycle and nuclear supply chain.
Building on Project Pele, which involves a transportable Generation IV nuclear reactor, the Janus Program will incorporate input from Department of Energy teams involved in that project.
Dr. Jeff Waksman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, will oversee the program, emphasizing the use of existing management capabilities.
The program is intended to provide energy for military needs, including training and operations, and may influence broader adoption of microreactor technology.