Antares raises $470M for small nuclear reactors for U.S. Air Force

Antares, a nuclear energy startup, has secured $470 million in funding to develop small modular reactors intended for use at U.S. Air Force bases. The company plans to build reactors with capacities ranging from 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt, designed to provide reliable, carbon-free power to military installations. This investment underscores growing interest in advanced nuclear technology for defense applications, where energy security and resilience are critical. The funding round, which closed in recent months, includes participation from venture capital firms and strategic investors, though specific names were not disclosed. Antares aims to deploy its first reactor by the early 2030s, pending regulatory approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The reactors are expected to enhance energy independence for the Air Force, reducing reliance on vulnerable grid connections and diesel generators. This development follows broader U.S. government efforts to support advanced nuclear reactors, including the Department of Defense's Project Pele, which seeks to demonstrate a mobile microreactor by 2027. Antares' next steps involve completing the design phase, securing site permits, and beginning construction of a prototype. The company also plans to explore commercial applications beyond the military, such as powering remote communities or industrial facilities.