USA – In a first-ever, the US airlifted Ward 250 nuclear test reactor system from California to Utah, in Donald Trump’s efforts on expanding America’s advanced nuclear power development.

Three C-17 transport aircraft carried on Sunday the unfueled reactor modules from March Air Reserve Base to Hill Air Force Base, where testing is expected to begin.

Pentagon and Energy Department officials, journalists, and industry representatives reportedly accompanied the reactor during the hour-long flight.

The reactor, developed by Valar Atomics, forms part of the administration’s push to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies, with Trump pledging to have at least three next-generation reactors “critical” on US soil by July 4.

Advocates say compact reactors could provide reliable energy to remote or military locations, while critics warn that fast-tracked, privately built designs may raise safety concerns.

“Energy is not just an economic issue, although it is that, it is a national security issue as well,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Defense acquisition chief Michael Duffey added that the mission “gets us closer to deploying nuclear power when and where it is most needed to give our nation’s war fighters the tools to win.”

According to Valar Atomics CEO Isaiah Taylor, testing will begin at 250 kilowatts, with the reactor ultimately capable of generating up to five megawatts, enough to power roughly 5,000 homes, using TRISO fuel and helium cooling rather than conventional water-based systems.