Reactor Components

The Reactor Components program, as detailed in Line Item 1020 of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request, is a critical procurement initiative under the Other Procurement, Navy appropriation. This program is focused on the acquisition of long lead-time nuclear reactor propulsion plant components, which are essential for the operation and maintenance of the Navy's nuclear-powered fleet. The program supports submarines (including SSBN, SSN, and SSGN classes), aircraft carriers (CVN), moored training ships (MTS), and fleet training equipment. Its goal is to ensure the continued readiness, safety, and operational capability of these vessels by providing timely and reliable reactor plant equipment and spares.

The primary objective of the Reactor Components line item is to procure reactor plant components that require significant manufacturing and delivery lead times. These components are vital for both planned installations in new ships and emergent requirements for existing vessels. By funding these procurements in advance, the Navy mitigates risks associated with supply chain delays and ensures that nuclear-powered ships can be maintained and modernized without interruption.

Another key goal of this program is to provide reactor plant spares for all operational nuclear-powered ships, including submarines, aircraft carriers, training ships, and fleet training equipment. The provision of spares is essential for sustaining operational availability, supporting maintenance cycles, and enabling rapid response to unplanned equipment failures. Program funding also supports the replacement of obsolete or worn-out reactor components, thereby extending the service life of the Navy's nuclear fleet.

Within this line item, the Navy coordinates closely with agencies such as Naval Reactors, a joint Department of Energy and Navy organization, to ensure that all reactor components meet stringent safety, reliability, and performance standards. The procurement process is managed to comply with classified technical and operational requirements, with detailed justifications submitted to Congress in classified budget books. This approach reflects the sensitive nature of nuclear propulsion technology and the need to safeguard national security interests.

The justification for the Reactor Components program is rooted in the unique demands of nuclear-powered vessels. Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered submarines and carriers rely on highly specialized reactor systems that must be maintained to exacting standards. The long lead times for manufacturing reactor components, coupled with the criticality of these systems to fleet operations, necessitate sustained investment and advance planning. The budget request for FY 2026 reflects the Navy's commitment to maintaining a robust and reliable nuclear propulsion capability.

Specific details of the reactor components procured, including quantities and technical specifications, are classified and provided to Congress in confidential budget justification documents. This ensures that sensitive information related to nuclear propulsion technology is protected, while still enabling legislative oversight of program funding and execution. The aggregation of funding under this line item allows for flexibility in responding to both planned and emergent needs across the nuclear fleet.