Strategy and Analysis
Dedicated to the defense of the nation
Since our founding in 1942, Johns Hopkins APL has proudly served a special role for the United States as a cornerstone research and analysis institution for some of our most critical defense technologies.
As threats to our national security have emerged, evolved, and even sometimes resurfaced after years of dormancy, our methods to counter these pressing threats have also changed, no matter the operational environment. To meet these changing challenges, we call upon our deep expertise in a number of technical domains, both cutting edge and foundational, across the Lab.
Additionally, our rigorous, technically informed analysis shapes technology and national security investments, and enables senior government leaders to respond to current and emerging threats.
Related Projects
Countering Anti-Access, Area-Denial Threats
APL is an established, critical partner of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office, which provides lower-cost, strategic alternatives for shaping and countering emerging threats.
Engaging Senior Decision-Makers
APL partnered with the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics to design and execute a space wargame based on a rigorous analytical framework.
Ensuring Resilient Enabling Capabilities in Denied Environments
On behalf of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, APL is merging technical capabilities with acquisition strategy to mitigate adversary threats to command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) in the maritime, terrestrial, air, space, and cyber domains.
Shaping the Joint Future Operating Environment
On behalf of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, APL led development of the Joint Future Operating Environment, which lays the foundation for force development across the services.
Space Security and Defense
APL provides expertise to the Space Security and Defense program, a joint Department of Defense/Office of the Director of National Intelligence organization focused on creating a more resilient and enduring national security space capability.
Related News
Press Release
Jul 9, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL Conducts Exercise to Simulate Global Asteroid Impact Response
NASA has released a summary of the fifth iteration of a Planetary Defense U.S. Government Interagency Tabletop Exercise, which was held at APL in April. The two-day exercise brought together domestic and international leaders to discuss, coordinate and evaluate a global response to a simulated asteroid impact threat to Earth.
News
Jun 17, 2024
Submarine Technology Symposium at Johns Hopkins APL Prepares for Today’s Undersea Competition
Co-sponsored by Commander, Submarine Forces, and the Naval Submarine League and hosted by APL, the 36th annual Submarine Technology Symposium explored how technology developers are reacting to the evolving state of undersea and seabed warfare. Many speakers cited how, during the next few years and decades, the trilateral security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States — known as AUKUS — will counter the aggressive growth of undersea capabilities among adversaries.
Press Release
May 21, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL Supports NATO STO Multi-Domain Space Deterrence Wargame
For the second year in a row, APL research analyst Susanne Wirwille directed a NATO Science and Technology Organization multi-domain space deterrence wargame. This year’s event was held in the Netherlands and brought together 37 participants from nine NATO nations to develop and test a comprehensive space deterrence framework.
Feature Story
May 21, 2024
Into Vanishing Ice
The melting Arctic is creating new trade, economic and operational opportunities — but also new challenges that could threaten the U.S. border and the region’s fragile ecosystem. Researchers at Johns Hopkins APL are pooling their expertise and established experience in materials, modeling, AI and sensing to develop the technology and knowledge for a sustainable and lasting foothold in this rapidly changing region.
Press Release
May 2, 2024
Defense Leaders Gen. David Berger, Adm. Charles Richard Join Johns Hopkins APL as Senior Fellows
Two distinguished military leaders and strategists — Gen. (retired) David Berger and Adm. (retired) Charles “Chas” Richard — have joined the team of Senior Fellows at APL.