Oklo Stock Soars 700% — The Tiny Nuclear Firm That Could Power Every US Army Base By 2028

Forget "hot tech"—this year's explosive winner isn't a chipmaker or an AI play. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) has seen its shares surge nearly 700% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 12% gain.But behind the rally lies a far bolder story: a bid to build the micro nuclear reactors that could power U.S. Army bases under the Pentagon's ambitious Project Janus. Track OKLO stock here. The Mission: Power IndependenceAt its heart lies the Army's mission for energy independence. Project Janus aims to deploy commercial microreactors across military bases by 2027–2028, freeing installations from grid vulnerabilities and ensuring operations continue even in crises. Oklo is among the companies in discussions with defense and energy agencies to have its compact reactors considered for deployment—reactors designed to be small, transportable, and self-sustaining.Read Also: Oklo Emerges As A ‘New Energy Leader,’ Says Bullish AnalystOklo doesn't stand alone. It's part of a select circle of next-gen nuclear firms moving in lockstep with the military's vision. BWX Technologies Inc (NYSE:BWXT) has been tapped by the Department of Defense as a potential microreactor supplier. X-Energy has secured contracts linked to Project Pele, which aligns with Janus' objectives. Kairos Power is building advanced reactor prototypes under Department of Energy programs, while Urenco USA is expanding its uranium enrichment capacity to fuel these cutting-edge systems. Together, these players form the backbone of the microreactor supply chain, reshaping U.S. defense energy strategy.Why The Market Is Betting BigPolicy winds are blowing in the right direction. In recent months, defense directives and White House orders have prioritized the deployment of advanced reactors, accelerating the path for firms like Oklo. However, investors should note that Oklo has yet to deploy a commercial reactor fully, and licensing challenges with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission remain a significant hurdle. The company currently has no revenue, meaning the investment case rests squarely on future contracts, partnerships, and government support. And with a rally this steep, any delay or regulatory snag could pressure its lofty valuation.Is Oklo the hidden giant behind America's military power future—or just riding a nuclear-fueled wave of speculation? Either way, its meteoric rise has put it at the crossroads of defense innovation and investor ambition. One thing's certain: this story is just getting started. Jim Cramer: Rare Earth Stocks Are On Fire — And That’s The Problem Image: Shutterstock