Nvidia, HPE to build two new supercomputers for Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory has selected HPE and Nvidia Corp. to build two new supercomputers, a development that comes as part of a wider push to advance American computing power.

The supercomputers, named Mission and Vision, will support “critical modeling and simulation” necessary for national security science, fundamental research and artificial intelligence applications, lab officials said Tuesday.

“HPE and Nvidia are experienced partners in this space, capable of delivering technology that offers the capabilities Los Alamos needs to fulfill its essential role, especially as we lead the way in integrating AI into the modeling and simulation at the heart of our mission,” LANL director Thom Mason said in a statement. “These systems are purpose-built for supercomputing in the AI era.”

The buildout of the two new supercomputers — both expected to be operational by 2027 — comes as the U.S. continues to invest in technologies that’ll give it a competitive edge over countries like China. And it comes on the same day that the U.S. Department of Energy announced supercomputer projects at other national labs.

Alongside Nvidia and Oracle, DOE outlined plans to deliver the department’s largest AI supercomputer to date at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, which officials say will accelerate scientific discovery and AI computing resources.

The DOE will also build two new AMD-accelerated AI supercomputers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee to help speed up work in areas such as fusion, fission, quantum, advanced manufacturing and grid modernization.

Costs of the supercomputers in Los Alamos could not be disclosed, a LANL spokesperson said. Support will come from “anticipated future funding” amid ongoing lapses in project capital.

Mission will allow scientists to assess and modernize national nuclear security without nuclear testing, where Vision will extend the National Nuclear Security Administration’s capabilities in advancing AI, including foundation models and autonomous functions, DOE said.

Vision will be built on infrastructure similar to LANL’s Venado, a supercomputer that became operational in 2024. Mission will replace the lab’s current Crossroads system, which has in recent years supported critical modeling and simulation of nuclear weapons, officials said.

“NNSA has a proud history of applying science and technology to national security challenges. The next generation of NNSA supercomputers marks a significant milestone in ensuring America’s leadership in the global AI race,” said Brandon Williams, NNSA administrator.