Fusion power startups find new partners in the defense world

Fusion power startups are increasingly signing defense-related deals, reviving a relationship with national security that dates back to the Cold War but had largely faded from the industry's public narrative. The pivot reflects both the immense capital requirements of fusion development and the military's growing interest in compact, resilient energy sources for contested logistics and basing scenarios. While the civilian grid remains the long-term prize, these partnerships offer a near-term path to funding, testing, and early deployment — but they also raise questions