Pele Program looks to expand nuclear power for US forces
The US DoD on 9 March awarded three contracts to BWX Technologies, Westinghouse Government Services and X-energy, to begin a two-year engineering and design competition for small mobile nuclear reactors.
The set of contracts is being referred to as the Pele Program.
The reactors will expand the availability of nuclear power to US forces stationed in the country as well as at bases across the world.
The combined contracts have been valued at $39.7 million and are being overseen by the DoD’s Strategic Capabilities Office.
An earlier attempt to expand the use of small mobile nuclear reactors was initiated as a result of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
