Antares Secures $470M to Deploy Small Modular Reactors at U.S. Air Force Bases
Nuclear startup Antares has secured $470 million in funding to advance the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) designed specifically for U.S. Air Force bases. The reactors will operate in the 100 kW to 1 MW power range—substantially smaller than typical civilian SMR designs, which often target tens of megawatts.
The military's interest in compact nuclear power stems from the need for reliable, long-duration energy at remote or off-grid installations where traditional fuel supply chains can be vulnerable. Small reactors could provide a steady power source reducing dependence on diesel generators and vulnerable logistics networks.
Antares's approach targets what the company sees as an underserved segment of the nuclear market: micro-modular reactors suitable for fixed, land-based defense applications rather than mobile or maritime uses. The funding will support design maturation and regulatory engagement as the company works toward deployment readiness.
The announcement reflects a broader trend of renewed government and private-sector interest in nuclear energy, with defense applications serving as a particularly active area of development. The U.S. Department of Defense has explored microreactor programs in recent years, viewing nuclear power as a potential solution to energy security challenges at forward operating locations.