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
Cislunar Science and Technology
APL is making critical contributions to the development of cislunar infrastructure to ensure our nation’s security interests are protected, support development of a sustainable cislunar presence, and advance pioneering science.
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.
Space Weather
APL is a leader in space weather science, observations, and modeling — particularly in understanding the drivers of solar activity, the role Earth’s magnetosphere plays in protecting us, and the response of the upper atmosphere to solar variability.
Related News
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.
News
Mar 25, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL’s Adams Named to Federal 100 List for Service to Nation
James Adams, a senior advisor in APL’s National Security Analysis Department, has been named to the Federal 100 this year.
Press Release
Feb 8, 2024
Johns Hopkins APL’s Andersen Elected to AIAA Board of Trustees
APL systems engineer Nancy Andersen has been elected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics board of trustees as an at-large member.
Press Release
Dec 13, 2023
Framework Developed by Johns Hopkins APL, Think Tank Assesses AI Impact
APL, in collaboration with the nonprofit, nonpartisan Special Competitive Studies Project, published a framework to guide regulators as they determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) development and uses are highly consequential to society and require their attention.
News
Dec 1, 2023
Johns Hopkins APL Hosts a Pair of NATO Analysis Conferences
Nearly 200 analysts and policy experts met at APL to consider strategies to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow through scientific analysis of NATO’s operating methods. In many ways, the NATO discussions echoed the work conducted at APL daily.