U.S. Plans to Deploy Navy's First Shore-Based Advanced Microreactor in Indiana by 2028

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced on September 9, 2026, that it plans to install an advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station Crane (NWS Crane) in Indiana no later than September 2028. This is Indiana's first nuclear reactor project for power generation and an early project of the U.S. Department of Defense to advance advanced nuclear energy deployment at military installations.

According to the announcement, the project is jointly advanced by the U.S. Army's “Janus Program,” the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the State of Indiana. The Department of Defense stated that the project aims to provide continuous and reliable power supply for Naval Weapons Station Crane, an important national defense technology and weapons facility, while also driving high-skilled jobs, strengthening the U.S. nuclear supply chain, and enhancing national defense industrial support capabilities.

The MMR to be deployed will adopt a commercially owned and commercially operated model, providing the base with round-the-clock power independent of the commercial grid. The U.S. Department of Defense stated that the reactor can support critical mission operations under complex conditions and enhance the energy resilience of military installations. Naval Weapons Station Crane is one of the United States' important bases for operational innovation and capability development, undertaking missions such as research and development, testing, and manufacturing.

The installation work of the project will be led by the Army's “Janus Program” and coordinated with the U.S. Department of the Navy, Department of Defense innovation-related entities, and the office responsible for critical technologies. The relevant arrangements combine the Army's responsibilities in executing nuclear energy facilities, the Navy's mission requirements at Crane base, and the mechanism for introducing commercial advanced nuclear energy technologies.

The U.S. Department of Defense stated that it will continue to advance safety, environmental, regulatory, and installation procedures with relevant federal, state, and local parties. Nuclear safety, physical security, cybersecurity, and public fund management will be included as key priorities at all stages of the project.