Nuclear Aurora reactor could power US F-35 base, run 10 years on recycled uranium
In a landmark move for military energy resilience, Oklo has received a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) from the Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy), acting on behalf of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the US Department of Defense (DoD), to deploy a nuclear microreactor, the Aurora powerhouse, at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
This program is part of the DAF’s effort to test small nuclear reactors. It aims to improve the national defense infrastructure’s energy independence and operational security, especially in remote or less stable areas.
Under the terms of the expected contract, Oklo will design, construct, own, and operate the reactor, supplying electricity and thermal energy under a long-term power purchase agreement with the US government.
Nuclear Aurora reactor for defense needs
The Aurora system represents a new generation of liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors, a technology long studied in national laboratories but only recently making the transition to commercial deployment.
Oklo’s design can operate autonomously for up to 10 years without refueling, offering unmatched reliability in environments where grid access is unstable or nonexistent.
The Aurora powerhouse is different from traditional light water reactors. It uses fast neutrons and a liquid metal coolant, likely sodium. This design removes the need for pressurization and improves safety features.
It is engineered to run on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), enriched between 5% and 19.75% U-235, enabling higher burnup, longer fuel cycles, and more compact core designs.
Oklo’s Aurora can use recycled nuclear fuel. This helps reduce nuclear waste and makes the most of the fuel.
The reactor can run on two different types of fuel, which is a big plus for defense purposes. This flexibility helps meet fuel needs and supports long-term use.
Strategic role at Eielson AFB
In Alaska’s harsh sub-Arctic environment, Eielson Air Force Base is home to the 354th Fighter Wing, which operates F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
Its remote geography presents unique logistical challenges for energy delivery and cost control.
Deploying an independent, self-sustaining nuclear energy source will eliminate vulnerability to fuel supply chains and drastically reduce the carbon footprint of base operations.
The Aurora’s modular, small-footprint design suits it for military basing strategies, especially those emphasizing distributed energy resilience in contested or isolated environments.
With increasing concerns over cyber and physical threats to centralized power grids, the DoD’s interest in microreactors is tactical and strategic.
Regulatory progress and fuel supply
In October 2024, the US Department of Energy approved the conceptual design for Oklo’s Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility to be built at Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
The facility will support HALEU production and fuel recycling capabilities, which are essential for Aurora deployment and broader US fast reactor development.
Due to its efficiency and energy density, HALEU remains a cornerstone for next-generation reactors.
The Department of Energy is actively funding HALEU production initiatives to build a domestic supply chain free from foreign enrichment dependencies, particularly from adversarial states.
A national first in microreactor deployment
Oklo’s selection marks the first formal US military project to adopt a commercial fast microreactor, setting a precedent for future energy infrastructure across the services.
“This Notice of Intent to Award reflects continued confidence in Oklo’s ability to deliver clean and secure energy solutions for mission-critical infrastructure,” said Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo.
As the Pentagon shifts focus toward energy resilience and battlefield electrification, Aurora’s deployment will be closely watched as a model for decentralized nuclear energy in defense applications.
It may represent a foundational step toward a network of mobile, hardened, and autonomous energy nodes capable of powering future force projection in any theater.
Source: Interesting Engineering
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