India, Feb. 22 -- The Pentagon and the Energy Department for the first time airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, demonstrating what they say is US potential to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use. The nearly 700-mile flight last weekend - which transported a 5-megawatt microreactor without nuclear fuel - highlights the Trump administration's drive to promote nuclear energy to help meet skyrocketing demand for power from artificial intelligence and data centres, as well for use by the military.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Undersecretary of Defence Michael Duffey, who travelled with the privately built reactor, hailed the February 15 trip on a C-17 military aircraft as a breakthrough for U...